The Compassionate Friends Ottawa – Update

November 9, 2017 by TCF Ottawa

Dear Compassionate Friend:

The clocks have changed, the days are shortening and winter is about to give us a taste of what we can expect for the next few months. We can have faith that it will only be for a limited time and that longer days and warmer weather will return almost before we know it. Similarly, we can hold on to the hope that the winter of grief will become more tolerable with the passing of time. Sharing our stories with others who understand is a sure way to ease that journey. Here are some opportunities to meet and share.

Sharing Circles

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 on November 21st, December 19th, January 16th and February 20th. 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.

Candle Lighting Celebration

Our 19th annual Candle Lighting Celebration will be held in conjunction with the Worldwide Candle Lighting on Sunday, December 10th at St Augustine’s Church Hall, 1060 Baseline Road (at Merivale). Please bring a free-standing picture of your children and plan to arrive at 6:30pm for a prompt 7:00pm start. Candles will be provided and light refreshments will be available afterward. There is no charge to attend.

Please feel free to forward the attached poster to anyone whom you feel might benefit from attending, or print and post it in your workplace, community centre, library, doctor’s office or place of worship.

We always appreciate your support in whatever way you can contribute, so if you would like to assist with organizing ahead of time or participating on the day, please reply to this e-mail.

Website / Facebook

Our Chapter website (www.tcfottawa.net) contains additional information and resources, including our Chapter library and newsletters from other Chapters and the National Board. The October newsletter from TCF Canada is attached. You can also read and post notices on our Facebook page – look for “The Compassionate Friends – Ottawa Chapter”.. Check the item in the attached National newsletter about joining the TCF Canada Facebook page.

We are currently looking for an Ottawa Chapter Facebook host. If you are familiar with social media and have an interest in providing on-line support, please reply to this e-mail.

United Way

The Compassionate Friends is a volunteer, peer support network. There are no membership or any other fees to use our services or to participate in our groups or activities. We do not solicit funds from our members nor do we have fundraising campaigns.

This is not a request for funds. However, we are grateful for any donations received and use them to further the activities of TCF.

If you wish, you may donate directly to TCF Ottawa by cheque or cash and you will receive a tax receipt from us for the full amount of your donation.

You may also donate through United Way and designate TCF Ottawa as the recipient of your contribution.. The official title of the Chapter is “The Compassionate Friends, Ottawa Valley / Outaouais Chapter” and our charitable organization number is 86493-2520-RR0001. United Way will provide you with a tax receipt but please note that an administrative fee will be deducted by United Way from your contribution.

Thank you for your support.