The Compassionate Friends is an international self-help organization for parents who have experienced the death of a child, at any age and from any cause.
Our purpose is to aid in the positive reconciliation of grief and foster the physical and emotional health of bereaved parents and their surviving children.
We offer friendship, understanding, grief education and hope for the future to families grieving the death of a child.
Our main focus is to provide meetings where feelings and emotions can be shared in an atmosphere of trust, empathy, and confidentiality. If parents prefer, they can just listen.
Membership is open to any bereaved parent regardless of their child’s age or cause of death. Bereaved siblings (16 years or older) and grandparents are also welcome. We offer support and friendship to any bereaved parent regardless of age, race, creed or financial status.
TCF has no religious affiliation.
The Ottawa Chapter is a chartered chapter of The Compassionate Friends of Canada.
History
The Compassionate Friends began in England in 1969, after two families whose sons died in the same hospital found they could support each other in a special way. These parents, with Rev. Simon Stephens, founded the society of The Compassionate Friends. In 1977, Joan and Bob Martin established the first Canadian chapter in Winnipeg. TCF Ottawa was established by Eileen and Andrew Bond.
Fees
There are no membership dues or fees of any kind. Donations are voluntary and tax receipts are issued.
TCF Ottawa gratefully acknowledges financial support from The Community Foundation of Ottawa.
Charitable Organization No: 86493-2520-RR0001
The Compassionate Friends of Canada
More information about The Compassionate Friends may be found on the TCF National website page: http://tcfcanada.net/about/
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The following audio link is a TCF Ottawa radio public service announcement:
