October 5th two artists known as the Department of Public Memory held a memorial service with a twist.
Perram House used to be an 8-bed hospice where many of Toronto’s homeless and marginalized individuals went to spend their final days. That came to an end earlier this year when the board of the not-for-profit charity decided it could no longer afford to continue.
Whereas memorials are usually for people not services, the touching ceremony featured former staff and volunteers who spoke about how much Perram House meant to the community.
The Department of Public Memory creates signs that are placed about the city to remind us of the public services we have lost. While the sign temporarily went up October 5th, the artists are seeking city approval to permanently mount it in front of Perram House.
To watch a short video of the October 5th ceremony, click on the box below.
Related links:
Diablogue:
Private Donations: Such an odd thing to say
Perram House: October 5th public memorial of services lost
Perram House: Why health professionals increasingly don’t want to work in community agencies
OPSEU Diablogue 