The Legacy Expo on September 28, 2024

It’s remarkable how our experiences in volunteering can have such a profound impact on our lives. Several years ago, I volunteered at Evergreen Hospice in Thornhill, Ontario. But the experience was more than just rewarding; it gave me great insights into how to help my father deal with his end-of-life issues.

Ten years ago, he was trying to manage cancer. Unfortunately, he also wound up falling down the stairs at his home. After a very challenging month in hospital that also included a fall from his bed, he was taken to a local hospice. My father died peacefully, without any suffering, four days later, surrounded by friends and family.

Had it not been for the time volunteering at the hospice, I don’t think my father would have had the same experience. In 2014, hospice wasn’t on people’s radar as it is now. I recall some of my father’s visitors, upon entering the hospice, wondering aloud what they were visiting.

After working in the publishing industry for over two decades, I sold my business and worked at a funeral home. Again, I credit the time spent volunteering at the hospice that helped move me in this direction. Many people felt it was an odd job choice, but I saw it as an opportunity to support people during their most difficult times. As a funeral director’s assistant, I attended well over 500 funerals and met with hundreds of families in their homes, hospitals, retirement homes and hospices.

When surrounded by death, you get a profound appreciation for life.

While working at a funeral home, I felt my creative spark reignite, leading me to write a book. From here, I decided to launch a business that captures people’s stories in a magazine. I called it Time For My Story, and it has led to the creation of a new initiative called The Legacy Expo.

I fully acknowledge that death is one of those topics that most people have a hard time discussing. My initial goal for the event was to demystify and destigmatize the subject of death. I wanted to help transform the way people view death and legacy planning. I knew that fostering open discussions in a low-key, grassroots environment would make things much more accessible for people.

Another one of my goals was to educate and empower attendees when it came to making difficult decisions. For example, dealing with finances and logistics when someone has just died can be a harrowing and emotionally taxing experience for many people. I view it as knowledge is power. By giving people critical information now, they can make better decisions regarding end-of-life care and dealing with funerals and wills.

As a result of my work in publishing, I knew the power of community and was determined to help create a supportive environment for attendees and exhibitors. It was crucial that people would be able to share their journeys, learn from each other, and find solace in a collective experience.

I am pleased to tell you that the first Expo brought together 17 exhibitors in May of this year. It did indeed foster a positive and supportive environment. Most importantly, we had a wide range of businesses and nonprofits exhibiting. This included local funeral homes, grief counsellors, planners, insurance companies, and two technology companies. On the nonprofit side, we had a variety of exhibitors, including Canadian Blood Services, Hospice Toronto, and the Bereavement Ontario Network.

The combination of for-profit and nonprofit created a dynamic environment that benefited everyone in attendance. We had about 150 people attend the Expo, and they found it very informative, just as I had hoped. There was also a great deal of interaction between the exhibitors. It has now led to working relationships and strengthening the overall sense of community within the deathcare field.

Building on the foundation of the first Expo, I have set my sights on creating something a little larger. This September 28 at Thornhill United Church, we are showcasing over 40 exhibitors from various companies and nonprofits.

Because the subjects of death and grief are complex for many to discuss, I have also decided to focus on the importance of hosting a face-to-face gathering only. While some video footage of the first Expo can be seen on YouTube, I have decided not to livestream this event. I also decided to make the event free of charge so that it can be accessible to all.

As the Baby Boomers in North America age, discussions around end-of-life will become more frequent. My vision is that The Legacy Expo inspires others in cities around Canada to start their expos to further the conversation.

By Michael Brooke

Click HERE to get your complimentary tickets for the Legacy Expo on September 28, 2024. TheLegacyExpo.com