Christmas can be an especially difficult time of the year for anyone who has lost a loved one.
One volunteer organization in Espanola acknowledges that loss through their In Memorium Christmas Ball campaign.
The Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre Auxiliary volunteers have been busy over the last few months making In Memorium Christmas balls for the public.
Spokesperson Chantal Lafrance says the volunteers worked throughout the summer.
She says every one of them is unique, some are quilted, some beaded, others even covered in bird seed.
They sell for $5 each with the funds going towards buying hospital equipment.
Lachance says, for example a neo-natal bassinet was purchased the year before, and specially-adapted shower chairs.
The official launch is on Thursday, November 16th at the Christmas Bazaar at the Espanola Mall.
They will also be on sale at the gift shop at the hospital.
The balls will be put on display and family members can pick them up a week before Christmas.