Hope Report: Spring 2024 Newsletter

Earth Day Initiatives

Near You!

• Mississauga
• Brampton
• Toronto
• Oakville
• Burlington

1. Plant flowers or spread seeds in honor of them
2. Donate shoes, clothing, or furniture to local shelters
3. Blow bubbles instead of releasing balloons
4. Hold a candlelight vigil (tip: use candles made from beeswax, coconut, or soy wax)
5. Plant a tree
6. Was your loved one passionate about the environment? Gather friends/family to do a clean up in honour of them this month!
7. Plan a fundraiser or donate to a local charity/cause in honour of them
8. Spruce up their gravesite (remove weeds, brush away dirt, and add fresh plants and decorations if they’re allowed)
9. Sponsor a bench in a local park
10. Create a library box in your neighborhood and fill it with some of your loved one's favourites (idea: write a small memento in the beginning of the books in honor of them!)
11. Gather family and host a picnic; share stories about your loved one

Support Groups

In 2024 so far, we:

Had 280+ group visits through...



52+ grief support group sessions.

In 2024 so far, we:

Facilitated 181+ one-to-one peer support sessions.



Welcomed 117+ new members to the organization.

Click the photo to view our frequently asked questions, how to register for group, group guidelines, and Spring 2024 groups, topics, and dates. This document comes attached to every group registration and can also be found on our website.

• Virtual Mixed Loss Group: every Tuesday, 6:30pm-8:00pm.
• Virtual Parent & Guardian Loss Group: every Wednesday, 6:30pm-8:00pm.
• Virtual Partner Loss Group: every Thursday, 6:30pm-8:00pm.

In March, we started our 6-Week Child Loss Grief Support Group and our very first 6-Week Unity in Diversity: BIPOC Grief Healing Circle group!

In May, we will be running 1 6-week closed (What's a Closed Group?), grief support group:

• Virtual Sudden Traumatic Loss Grief Support Group

Click the photo for more information and stay tuned for upcoming email updates about this support group and future ones, their eligibility, and how to register for them.

No groups will be running the week of April 29th (April 30th, May 1st and 2nd). We invite you to attend our April 29th virtual workshop! Should you like some extra support, you may reach out to these Immediate Distress/Emotional Support Phone Lines.

Do you believe that there can be moments of hope and even joy amidst the pain and challenges of grief? At the Centre for Grief and Healing, we do. That's why we're searching for stories and testimonials of hope and healing from individuals who have found unique or traditional ways to cope and thrive after experiencing the loss of a loved one.

By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and support others who are going through similar challenges. You can also honor the memory of your loved one and the impact they had on your life. We're committed to creating a brave and supportive space for you to share your story. If you're interested in sharing your experiences or have any questions, please reach out to us.

Click the button below to learn more and to share your testimonial or story with us.

National Volunteer Week (April 14-20) is coming up and we are so honoured to share that our volunteer team comprises of over 60 empathetic, compassionate, understanding, motivated, and supportive individuals! We appreciate you all!  

The Center for Grief and Healing is Celebrating all Volunteers, past and present, for their great contributions to the organization since 1989. The volunteers have shaped this organization to be what it is today and for the immense support brought forward for the grieving community! We celebrate you today, and everyday! We share our gratitude with you today, and everyday! Thank you for being a part of our team!

If you are interested in volunteering and would like to learn about the opportunities available, please reach out to Irish Dhindsa, Volunteer Manager, at volunteering@bereavedfamilies.ca.

As the demand for our free and accessible grief supports grows, your support becomes invaluable. Every donation helps us continue providing essential services to those facing the challenges of grief.

Transparency is our commitment, and your contribution makes a significant impact:

• $35,023+: minimum investment to run individual grief support sessions
• $33,652+: minimum investment to run grief support groups
• $15,660+: minimum Administrative costs
• $3,320+: minimum investment to run GriefTalks, our free TedTalk-like webinars featuring subject matter experts on grief and healing themes

You can donate today through our official donation channels here.

Your investment enables us to continue to provide free and accessible supports. Unlock the power of your compassion and invest in grief support, today.

I.D.E.A Organization Statement

Fostering Hope and Healing for All Walks of Life.

We've come a long way since 1988 and still have a ways to go. Why? At the Centre for Grief and Healing (CFGH), diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility don't have an end date. We strive to foster an unending commitment to learning from, working with, creating programs for and supporting our diverse community members and their unique grief experiences. Our team is dedicated to including diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible practices at the center of our daily work. We commit to using and improving these practices for our organization and for our communities.

Our team provides mutual, inclusive support through diverse programming, endless advocacy, and community education. We strive to foster belonging and empowerment for all of our members, staff, volunteers, and students. We listen to and engage with all walks of life and we value and welcome all unique experiences and qualities: both visible and invisible. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our purpose and to our impact.

Join us in embracing and celebrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for all people in all communities.

We grow together today, to create a better tomorrow.

As we continue to welcome new members to the organization, we wanted to say hello and welcome to the Centre for Grief and Healing (BFO-H/P).

This April, we say a heartfelt goodbye (and hopefully a see you soon!) to our Fall and Winter 2024 students. It has been a true pleasure working with them!

This year, our Fundraising Manager, Kelly, celebrates 1 year with us. We are so grateful to have Kelly as a part of our team!

As a small yet powerful women-led team, we take pride in our unique perspectives and leadership. To learn more about us, click here, and don't forget to explore our Volunteer Recognition Wall, showcasing the generosity and dedication of our fantastic volunteers!