The Compassionate Friends is an international, non-profit, peer support organization, offering friendship, understanding, grief education and hope for the future to all families who have experienced the death of a child at any age, 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 in 1999.
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
The Compassionate Friends of Canada provides leadership and support to Chapters across the country. National Newsletters may be found on our web page TCF Canada – National Newsletters.
The TCF Canada National website page is: http://tcfcanada.net/about/
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The following audio link is a TCF Ottawa radio public service announcement:
The Compassionate Friends 