Dear Compassionate Friend:
Please mark your calendar for the events and dates below. We look forward to seeing you at one or more of them. If you have any questions, please reply to this e-mail.
- Sharing Circles – 3rd Tuesday
Our Sharing Circles continue on the third Tuesday of every month from 7pm to 9pm at The Olde Forge Community Resource Centre, 2730 Carling Avenue (at Richmond Road). Our next meetings are May 16th, June 20th, July 18th and September 19th. There are no fees to attend and no need to register in advance – please arrive a few minutes early to sign in. You can find directions and a map on our Chapter website www.tcfottawa.net.
- Annual General Meeting – Tuesday, June 6th
Our 18th Annual General Meeting will be held at The Olde Forge on Tuesday June 6th starting at 6:30pm. This is not a Sharing Circle but an opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes in our Chapter and learn how you can contribute your time and talents to helping others on their grief journey. We follow an informal round-table format with lots of time for discussion and finger food to share.
- Balloon Release – Saturday, June 17th
The 16th annual Balloon Release will take place in the gardens at Ronald McDonald House, 407 Smyth Road (next to CHEO) followed by a butterfly release at The Butterfly Garden. We invite you to join us for a brief but very moving memorial to those children who have left us too soon. Registration will be open from 1:30pm and the ceremony will start at 2:00pm. The Canterbury High School Chorus will once again provide a musical backdrop. Please forward the attached poster to anyone that you feel would like to attend.
- Summer Social – Saturday, July 29th
Our Summer Social will be a little later than usual this year as we have house guests for most of July. This is a non-stress, casual pot-luck event – just bring your favourite dish to share. More details nearer the date.
- National Gathering – August 25th – 27th
TCF Canada is organizing a National Gathering in Medicine Hat, Alberta from Friday to Sunday, August 25th to 27th. This event will include workshops with Canadian, US and international attendees, presenters and speakers, a Banquet, a Candle Lighting Celebration and a Walk to Remember. On-line registration will be available through the TCF Canada website (www.tcfcanada.net) in the next few days. We encourage everyone to think about attending this Gathering and meeting other parents from across Canada. If you have any questions or would like more information, please reply to this e-mail. Also, please let me know if you have any items or books that you would like to donate to the Butterfly Boutique.
- Candle Lighting Celebration – Sunday, December 10th
Although it is several months away, the committee has started researching a new venue and planning the program. If you would like to assist with organizing ahead of time or participating on the day, please reply to this e-mail.
- Website / Facebook
Please check our Chapter website (www.tcfottawa.net) for additional information and resources, including our Chapter library and newsletters from other Chapters and the National Board. You can also read and post notices on our Facebook page – look for “The Compassionate Friends – Ottawa Chapter”.
- Unsubscribe
If you would prefer not to receive these occasional updates, please reply to this e-mail and I will remove you from our mailing list.
Best wishes,
Andy Bond
The Compassionate Friends, Ottawa Chapter
http://www.tcfottawa.net
Kevin’s Dad
The Compassionate Friends 