The Compassionate Friends

October 23, 2016 by TCF Ottawa

Dear Compassionate Friend:

Despite the sunshine, Fall is here with brisk temperatures and early evenings that presage the cold, dark days of Winter. However, we know that with the passage of time, the light and warmth of Spring and Summer will return. Similarly on our grief journey, we can have faith that we will eventually overcome the darkness and confusion of our grief and face the future with hope.

We hope that you can join us at one or more of the following events.

1. Sharing Circles – every 3rd Tuesday

Our Circles continue on the third Tuesday of each month from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at The Olde Forge Community Resource Centre, 2730 Carling Avenue. The next meetings will be on November 15th, December 20th, January 17th (2017) and February 21st. There are no fees to attend any of our events or activities and no need to register in advance. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in. For directions and a map, please visit our Chapter website www.tcfottawa.net.

Special thanks to our dedicated facilitators who maintained the Circle schedule through the summer months.

2. Interview on Rogers Television – Tuesday October 25th

Eileen and I have been invited to discuss The Compassionate Friends on Rogers Daytime Television on Tuesday October 25, sometime between 1 pm and 2 pm. The show will be rebroadcast at 6 pm and 11 pm. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce our organization and the services that we provide for bereaved parents. If you are able to watch, we would appreciate any comments or feedback that we can use to improve future presentations.

3. Candle Lighting Celebration – Sunday December 11th

Our 18th annual Candle Lighting Celebration in memory of all children who have left us too soon will be held on Sunday, December 11th at the Ron Kolbus Centre in Britannia Park. There is no charge to attend – please bring a free-standing picture of your child/ren and arrive by 6:30 pm for a prompt 7:00 pm start. Candles will be provided with light refreshments to follow. The attached poster provides more information – please feel to print and post or forward to anyone that you believe would benefit in attending.

Please let us know if you have any suggestions for the program, or perhaps favourite readings or music. If you would like to assist with this event, either in planning or on the day, please reply to this e-mail.

4. The Butterfly Garden at CHEO

The Butterfly Garden has been in the news in recent weeks with a featured interview on CTV and two weddings. Although the Garden is being “put to bed” for the winter, we are hoping that the shade structure will receive the go-ahead before the construction season ends.

5. Mid-Winter Social – February 2017

We are considering holding a mid-Winter social similar to the Summer Social that we have hosted for a number of years, possibly in mid- to late- February 2017. If you would be interested in attending, or have any thoughts on this topic, e.g. date, location or format, please reply to this e-mail.

6. National Gathering – August 25th – 27th 2017

As previously announced, the Board of TCF Canada is planning a National Gathering in Medicine Hat AB next August with the theme of “Sharing Hope”. Eileen and will be attending and have been asked to present a workshop. If you would like to attend, or would like to assist with planning or logistics, or have any ideas for workshops or presentations, please let me know.

7. Website / Facebook

Please visit our Chapter website (www.tcfottawa.net) for information and resources about TCF, including newsletters from other Chapters and the national office. Also look for us on Facebook (The Compassionate Friend – Ottawa Chapter) to read and post comments from other parents.

8. Unsubscribe

If you would like to be removed from this mailing list, please reply to this e-mail.

Best wishes,

Andy Bond
The Compassionate Friends, Ottawa Chapter
http://www.tcfottawa.net
Kevin’s Dad