Rachael & Eric’s Heartfelt Wedding Contribution

The South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society wishes to extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest thanks to Rachael Weagle and Eric Gates. In a touching act of kindness and generosity, Rachael and Eric chose our Society as one of their charities of choice in lieu of gifts, for their wedding on July 6, 2025, held at the beautiful White Point Beach Resort. Thanks to their thoughtfulness and the generosity of their guests, more than $5,700 in donations were received that will directly benefit hospice and palliative care initiatives in communities in Lunenburg and Queens Counties.

Rachael and Eric’s story is one that begins with adventure and serendipity. When they first met, it wasn’t in the Maritimes or even in Ontario where they both attended school—it was in the vast wilderness of Alberta. The pair, both East Coast kids at heart, crossed paths during a trek with a group of university students. It turned out to be the best decision they ever made. They followed the same training plan, shared the same hiking speed, and over the next 150km, their conversations forged an inseparable friendship.

Eric’s approach to winning Rachael’s heart was charmingly modern, involving a steady stream of memes he sent her over the following year, all in an effort to drop a hint. However, it wasn’t until they attended a family wedding together that Eric found the courage to reveal that “just friends” wasn’t the title he was aiming for. From that moment on, the two embarked on a journey filled with countless adventures, numerous road trips home, relocations across cities and the country, and a steadfast partnership that led them to their wedding day.

The generosity shown by Rachael, Eric, and their wedding guests is a testament to their values and the strong sense of community that defines their relationship. Their decision to support the South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society helps us provide essential services to residents in Lunenburg and Queens Counties during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

We are incredibly grateful for the kindness and thoughtfulness of this wonderful couple. Their story, full of adventure and love, now includes a chapter of profound impact. To Rachael, Eric, and all who contributed, thank you for making a difference in the lives of those we serve.