Dear Compassionate Friend:
With the arrival of March, winter appears to be releasing it’s grip and the brighter days begin to rekindle hope for the future. Here are some items to help maintain that positive momentum.
1. Sharing Circles
Our Sharing Circles continue on the third Tuesday of every month at The Olde Forge Community Resource Centre, 2730 Carling Avenue (at Richmond) from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The next meetings are March 17th, April 21st, May 19th and June 16th and will continue through the summer. There is no need to register in advance, and there are no fees to attend any of our meetings or activities. For driving instructions and a map, please visit our website: http://www.tcfottawa.net .
2. Closed Group Sessions
Bereaved Families of Ontario (BFO) Ottawa still has space available for their 10-week closed group for Loss of a Child starting March 23rd. For more information or to register, please contact Deborah Krogan at 613-567-4278 or office@bfo-ottawa.org.
3. GROW Workshop
The next Grief Resources Ottawa Workshop for professionals and volunteers working in bereavement support will be held on June 1st. If you are interested in attending or are considering a volunteer role, please reply to this e-mail for more details.
4. Website / Facebook
Our Chapter website (http://www.tcfottawa.net) contains several resources and links to provide information and support to bereaved parents and we are always open to ideas for additional material. In addition to directions, brochures and articles, some key features are:
– Remembering our Children: If you would like to have your child’s name, picture and story included, please contact our webmaster Mark through the website.
– Library: Our Chapter library includes many books and movies that parents have found helpful or have donated. If you can suggest or recommend any titles, please contact Ingrid through the library page. For donated books, we can add a bookplate with your child’s picture if you would like them to be remembered in this way.
– Find a Friend: Several of our parents offer phone support if you (or someone you know) would like to talk between the monthly Sharing Circles. Look for under “Activities” for the contact details.
– Newsletters: The quarterly newsletter from our sister Chapter in Kamloops contains many inspirational and supportive readings and articles. We have posted past issues under “Resources”.
– Facebook: You can also read and post messages on our Facebook page – look for “The Compassionate Friends Ottawa Chapter”.
5. Future Events
Watch for the following activities coming in the next few months (dates to be confirmed):
– Butterfly Garden at CHEO – Spring reopening – May
– Annual General Meeting – first week in June
– Balloon Release – third week in June
– Summer Social – July
Best wishes,
Andy Bond
The Compassionate Friends, Ottawa Chapter
http://www.tcfottawa.net
Kevin’s Dad
