Dear Friend:
According to the calendar, Spring has arrived. Let’s hope that Mother Nature notices before Summer is due. Here are some upcoming events that we hope will help you think warm thoughts. We look forward to seeing you at one or all.
Sharing Circles
Our Sharing Circles continue on the third Tuesday of every month from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at The Olde Forge Community Resource Centre, 2730 Carling Avenue (at Richmond Road). The next meetings will be on April 15th, May 20th, June 17th and July 15th. There is no need to register in advance and there are no fees to attend any of our meetings or activities. Directions and a map are on our website www.tcfottawa.net.
Carleton University Study on Peer Support
The School of Social Work study on the benefits on peer support has been completed. Eileen and I attended the final briefing by the student researchers last week. We thank everyone who offered to participate, but unfortunately, the students did not have the resources to interview everyone. The final report will be issued in the couple of weeks. If you would like a copy, please let me know.
Balloon Release
Please mark you diary and plan to join us at this annual event which will be held on June 21st at the Butterfly Garden at CHEO. A reminder will be sent out nearer the date.
Butterfly Garden at CHEO
The Butterfly Garden will be undergoing a major renovation this spring. Since it’s initial construction in 2003, the Garden has presented challenges due to its exposed location and drainage. The rejuvenation project will include a major overhaul, including removal of the landscaping cloth and replacement of plants and bushes. The objective is to minimize the need for ongoing maintenance. There will be opportunities for volunteers to assist with planting, so if you would like to keep your green thumb in shape, please let me know.
The project is planned to be largely completed for the Balloon Release. I would like to thank Dennise and her committee of CHEO staff and volunteers for making this possible.
Annual General Meeting
Our 15th Annual General Meeting will be held in early June, actual date to be confirmed. Please join us at The Olde Forge to learn what goes on “behind the scenes” and how you may be able to contribute your time and talents to help others on their grief journey. A formal notice will be sent out.
Summer Social
Eileen and I will be hosting our annual Summer Social in early July. Everyone is welcome to join us whether or not they have attended a meeting. Details nearer the date.
Chapter Website and Facebook Page
Remember to check our Chapter website (www.tcfottawa.net) for news and information. If you would like to include your child on our Memories page, please contact our webmaster Mark through the website.
If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, please check the ‘Need a Friend” link on our website under “Activities”.
Our Facebook page continues to attract friends. Just search for “The Compassionate Friends Ottawa Chapter” to post and follow message threads.
Best wishes,
Andy Bond
The Compassionate Friends, Ottawa Chapter
http://www.tcfottawa.net
Kevin’s Dad
The Compassionate Friends 