Two local youth enjoy their hot dogs during Monday's special event. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Fun events

Prince Albert funeral home hosts barbecue and fundraiser on Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

Aug 28, 2023 | 4:00 PM

Funeral homes often get associated with a more sombre feeling, however the sights and sounds coming from a Prince Albert funeral home on Monday were anything but.

Gray’s Funeral Chapel hosted a free community barbecue which included food, music, balloon animals and even a petting zoo. And in honour of the international Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, a day to remember furried and feathered pets that have passed on, donations were also being collected for the Prince Albert SPCA.

Funeral home manager Lisa Bos-Atchison told paNOW they of course recognize the needs of the community when a death has occurred, but added they also know there’s value in giving back and being a part of the community.

“We’re dedicated to service, that’s out heartfelt belief and that’s why we are here today,” she said.

Thanks to Ol McDale’s Friendly Farm, Monday’s event also included a petting zoo. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

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Gray’s Funeral Chapel is one of the Arbor locations in Prince Albert, and Monday’s fundraiser follows a special duck launch celebration party that was held last June at Memorial Gardens.

“One of the core beliefs within Arbor is to give back to the community and to be able to present community events throughout the year, for the benefit of all people,” Bos-Atchison said.

Within the chapel there was a special donation area, but there was also a separate space for reflection.

A number of local businesses helped out with Monday’s cause including Lake Country Co-Op, Scentiments, and the SPCA.

Frankly speaking, the food was great. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

You can’t have a proper celebration without balloon animals. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell