A way to remember.
There is no more poignant symbol of hospice-palliative care than the image of the handcrafted HUG’s individually created by Gerald Shearer. Gerald’s wife Helen died on the Palliative Care program before she had a chance to thank the many staff and volunteers who cared for her during her illness. Helen was a natural “hugger” so in her memory Gerald handmade and presented each staff member with Helen’s HUG. Since that time Gerald has crafted and donated thousands of wooden HUGS to the Hospice Society. They are then painted by many individual and group volunteers in the community including the North River Elementary School, the Nova Institution, and many more.

A new way to remember!

Coming in September 2019, The Colchester East Hants Society will have a new way to remember the love shared by Gerald and Helen.  A clothing line will be first to launch, with T-shirts available sporting Helen’s HUG on the front.  It is the hope of Colchester East Hants Hospice Society that these new items will help spread the wonderful message of gratitude and love from Gerald and Helen’s original story to people everywhere to share and enjoy the gift of a HUG.  More items will be added regularly so stay tuned to our Facebook page for more information.

The perfect gift.
Helen’s HUG’s have been requested and sent around the world including France, England, Afghanistan, throughout the US, and Canada, raising awareness about the importance of community support and quality of care at end of life. HUG’s are available to the community here in Colchester East-Hants during the Valentine’s season through local businesses. A HUG makes the perfect gift for friends, family and loved ones especially as they remember those special individuals in their lives who have died. All donations go towards our Hospice Society programming including Palliative Volunteer Visiting and Grief and Bereavement Support.

Resources

• HUG’s and hug products will be available year round by contacting us online.
• Chocolate HUG’s can be purchased by contacting The Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop, or through Colchester East Hants retailers just in time for Valentine’s day every year.