ONE COMMUNITY `WE'RE ALL IN THIS UNIQUE TIME TOGETHER'
Windsor Chapel expands services and options with virtual gatherings, webinars and more
Helping grieving families realize that even in midst of a pandemic they have options, “we won’t let COVID-19 define or diminish how we honour our loved ones. Allow us to guide you as we walk through this together,” says Scott Lockwood, chief executive officer of Windsor Chapel.
Although much has changed since last March, the Windsor Chapel team have adapted to COVID-19 measures and permanently expanded their service options as a result.
“When a loved one passes, what thefamilyneedsmostiscommunity. Welookedcreativelyathowpeople could come together safely and recognized that virtual gatherings are viable aswell,” Lockwood says.
Live online streaming of visitations and funeral services were quickly introduced. Offered at no additional charge, these virtual gatherings ensure that when in-person numbers are restricted at the funeral home, family and friends who want to attend can still do so online.
Thesolution is so appreciatedby everyone that “when life eventually moves into a post-pandemic new normal, we’re going to keep offering online gatheringsandservices as additional options,” says Lockwood.
People unable tocomein person due to geography, mobility, health and other challenges can pay their respects and say their goodbyes online in real time.
Frequent shifts in government and health unit COVID-19 guidelines have left bereaved people uncertain about holding funerals or understanding what options they have.
“Many had questions about their loved one’s pre-arrangements and wondered if those could still go forward. We’ve always said yes,” Lockwood says. “It may look a little different, however, we will carry through and go over all unique options. Families are relieved they canhonourtheirlovedone’swishes.”
Some families choose to delay services and are waiting to hold a gathering at a post-pandemic date yet to be determined.
Lockwood sees the funeral home’s role is “to help the family breathe, slow down and trust we are prepared to manage the logisticsappropriatelysotheycanfocus on honoring their loved one and being together.”
Protocols in place at all three Windsor Chapel locations include wearing masks indoors, physical distancing, ongoing cleaning, and disinfecting, and RSVPING for appointments including guests’ attendance at visitations and services.
“Our number one priority is safety for our team, our families, our guests and our community at large – in the midst of providing unique options.”
Applying what Windsor Chapel has learned about livestreaming funerals, the team has reimagined its other important events and is bringing them online.
Traditionally, Windsor Chapel hosts its annual Holiday Service of Remembrance at the Caboto Club, where more than 1,100 guests attend a one-hour memorial service. This event is open to all families the funeral home served in the past year.
“There is music, a message of hope, and a candle-lighting ceremony where each family’s loved one’s name is read aloud, and we invite family to light a candle in their memory. It’s always a very meaningful night for our families and our team,” Lock wood explains.
“Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we are not able to host it this year in the same way. We didn’t want the families we served to miss out on this special event, so we are going virtual.”
The service was professionally filmed in advance at the South Chapel, with the team reading all 800-plus loved ones’ names and lighting candles in their memory.
Four separate videos, each containing 200 names, are being posted on Windsor Chapel’ s You tube channel in early December. Families will be invited to watch the video at its launch time or whenever they choose.
“It is different and difficult when a loved one is no longer here to celebrate the holidays with you,” Lockwood says. “We believe families will join us throughout Windsor and Essex County for this special virtual event.”
Mindful of its commitment as a community partner and resource, Windsor Chapel stepped up its longstanding support of the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County, serving as the presenting sponsor of the virtual Give your Night togala campaign.
“Innovember, we sponsored over 130 nights of care at the Hospice Residentia lhome,” Lock wood says. “Our partnership with Hospice is significant and emblematic of our mission of being a strong community resource and partner.”
Free public education seminars hosted by Windsor Chapel are moving online as well in 2021. More than 140 people attended the “See cremation differently” lunch and learn seminar at South Chapel last February before COVID-19 postponed the rest of the series.
When resuming virtually, “we’ll continue unveiling the mystery and talk openly with guests about end-of-life decisions, cremation, burial and anything else. These events are filled with interactive discussion, questions, tears and laughter.”
Tailor-made seminars regarding end-of-life issues and self-care strategies for frontline healthcare workers were paused during COVID-19. “Our team is beyond grateful for our healthcare workers,” Lockwood says. “We’re preparing free guided webinars that will be continually accessible to them on our website.”
Windsor Chapel, in partnership with The Heart & Soul Project, is carrying on hosting their free open Community Seminars at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday monthly, in-person under COVID-19 restrictions.
“We truly are one community,” Lockwood believes. “We’re all in this unique time together.”
To learn more, call Windsor Chapel at 519-253-7234 or visit windsorchapel.comandheartandsoulproject.com.
We truly are one community. We’re all in this unique time together. - SCOT T LOCKWOOD