Videos

Video Resource Centre

This is a 4-minute promotional/educational video that encourages people to think about life planning differently—not as preparing for death, but as creating peace of mind for themselves and their families. The speaker, Diana Eaid who is a retired social worker challenges the traditional "script" around end-of-life planning. Instead of avoiding the topic until a crisis occurs, she encourages viewers to:

Take control of their wishes while they are healthy.
Reduce stress and uncertainty for loved ones.
View planning as a gift to family rather than something to fear.
Start with small, manageable steps instead of trying to do everything at once.

Planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your family. (90 seconds)
The Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) has been helping Albertans make informed, affordable end-of-life decisions since 1966. As a lifetime CMS member, you'll have access to negotiated pricing with participating funeral providers across Alberta, helping reduce financial stress and giving your family clear guidance when they need it most.
Whether you're just beginning to think about end-of-life planning or are ready to document your wishes, CMS provides trusted education, practical planning tools, and resources to help you prepare with confidence.

What are Funeral Co-operatives and Memorial Societies?

This CMS presentation on memorial societies and funeral co-ops offers valuable insights into affordable, community-focused alternatives for end-of-life planning. Learn how these organizations can help ease the financial and emotional burdens of funeral arrangements, ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones. TIME STAMPS: What are memorial societies and funeral Co-ops? 00:02:31 Why memorial societies? 00:04:08 Cooperative Memorial Society overview 00:05:23 The benefits of membership 00:06:52 Success Stories 00:09:15 Why join a cooperative or society now? 00:10:47 Start of Q&A session 00:12:39

4 Critical "Life and Death" Documents You Need in Alberta
Join Terry Geib from the Cooperative Memorial Society as she walks us through the 4 most important documents every adult needs to have. She will take us through what they are, why they are important, preparation tips, and how you can make the process less stressful and more cost-effective. www.coopmemorial.org [email protected] https://www.coopmemorial.org/forms-an... Welcome 00:00:20 Benefits of Planning Ahead 00:02:28 Four Critical Documents 00:04:14 Personal Directive 00:04:46 Enduring Power of Attorney 00:07:19 Financial Plans 00:09:41 Funeral and Burial Plans 00:11:29 Communicate Your Wishes 00:13:45 Review and Update your Plans 00:15:20 Resources and Supports 00:15:45 Q&A 00:17:23 #Unison #Seniors #YYC #Wills #legaldocuments #memorial #estateplanning

Planning as Empowerment, Control, Dignity and Peace of Mind

Donna Gee, former nurse, lawyer, and Managing Partner at Paramount Law Group in Calgary, Alberta, shares practical guidance on planning for future care and eventual passing. In this 45-minute talk, she outlines simple steps and helpful tips everyone should consider.

Lessons from Co-ops: Building Your Circle
What does it take to build a thriving co-op and grow your community? In this webinar series, hosted by Director of Indigenous Relations, Trista Pewapisconias, we dive into the real experiences of co-op founders and members. In this session, “Building Your Circle”, our guests tell us how their members came together to create their co-op, and how they reach new members. They spotlight the processes, challenges, and successes of building and expanding a co-operative.
Hear from guests Sheila Willis of Travel-ING On Tourism Cooperative and Terry Geib of the Cooperative Memorial Society as they share their stories about forming their circles, fostering collaboration, and recruiting new people who believe in their mission. Gain practical tips on community outreach, building trust, and sustaining engagement, as well as firsthand advice on overcoming obstacles along the way.

Advanced Care Planning & Palliative Care in Alberta | Presented by Tyler Hamil, Covenant Health

This 30 minute video features Tyler Hamil from Covenant Health, presenting on Advanced Care Planning and Palliative Care in Alberta at the Cooperative Memorial Society Annual General Meeting on February 22, 2025. Planning for future health care decisions is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are known and respected. Tyler explains the key elements of Advanced Care Planning, how to document your preferences, and why these conversations matter. He also provides an overview of palliative care services in Alberta, debunking common myths and sharing how individuals and families can access the right support when facing a serious illness or end-of-life decisions. Whether you're planning for yourself or supporting a loved one, this presentation offers valuable insights to help you navigate these important topics with clarity and confidence.

What is a Death Doula?
Many people have heard the term but aren't sure what a death doula actually does. In this thoughtful presentation, Laura Silver, a Calgary-based death doula, explains the role of a death doula and how they provide compassionate, non-medical support to individuals and families before, during, and after the end of life.
Laura discusses how death doulas can help with emotional support, advance planning, legacy projects, family conversations, bedside companionship, and navigating the practical and personal aspects of dying. Whether you're planning ahead for yourself or supporting someone you love, this presentation offers valuable insights into an emerging profession that is helping many people experience a more informed, meaningful, and supported end-of-life journey.

Video Resource Centre

Annual General Meetings