The Compassionate Friends

The Compassionate Friends – Update

September 13, 2018 by TCF Ottawa

Dear Compassionate Friend:

In many ways, September feels like turning the page on a New Year as we return to the familiar routines of work and school, refreshed after a summer break. However, for those on a grief journey, it can feel like just another weary step along a seemingly endless path. Whether you look forward to new opportunities with the change of calendar, or still feel challenged by an uncertain future, take courage in knowing that you have passed one more milestone along the way.

This update includes information on Sharing Circles, Donations through United Way, the Anthology of parent stories, Candle Lighting, and Newsletters. We hope that you find it helpful and will join us at one or more events.

Sharing Circles

Our Sharing Circles were held during the summer months and will 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 September 18th, October 16th, November 20th , and December 18th. 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.

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 by mailing a cheque to:

The Compassionate Friends, Ottawa Chapter
31 Maplehill Way
Nepean ON
K2C 3H1

You will receive a tax receipt from us for the full amount of your donation.

Or you may donate through United Way and designate TCF as the recipient of your contribution. The official title of the Chapter is “The Compassionate Friends, Ottawa 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.

Anthology – “Always With Me”

This collection of personal stories compiled and edited by Ottawa parent Donna Sharkey features several local contributors and has now been published by Demeter Press. We will have some copies in our Chapter library, but you can order your own copy from Octopus Books in the Glebe.

An official book launch will be held in Ottawa at 7pm on Thursday October 4that the Vimy Brewery Building, 145 N. Loretta Street (near Gladstone and Preston).

Candle Lighting Celebration

Please mark your calendar for our 20th annual Candle Lighting Celebration to be held on Sunday, December 9th in conjunction with the World-wide Candle Lighting. The attached poster includes more detail. Please forward to anyone that you feel would like to attend, and post it in your local community centre, place of worship, doctor’s office, or workplace.

Website / Facebook / Newsletters

Our Ottawa Chapter website (www.tcfottawa.net) includes information on our Chapter activities and events, links to helpful resources and reading materials, as well as recent newsletters from Chapters across the country. The latest national newsletter from TCF Canada is attached for your information.

Our Facebook page (search for “The Compassionate Friends Ottawa Chapter”) provides a channel to post and read comments from other parents. TCF Canada also operates a moderated closed group for parents across Canada. Search for “The Compassionate Friends of Canada” and answer a couple of questions to gain access.