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BFO is located at 1050 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, Ontario L1G 4W5
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southwest corner of Beatrice Street and Simcoe Street North;
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entrance door to the 2nd floor office is at the extreme left of the Dairy Queen building;
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unfortunately, we are not wheelchair accessible;
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for further information please contact us:
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2012 DROP-IN DATES
Jan. 9, 7-9 Infant Loss Drop-In
Jan. 16, 1-3 Afternoon Drop-In
Jan. 18, 7-9 Evening Drop-In
Jan. 23, 7-9 Infant Loss Reconnect Meeting
Jan. 26, 7-9 Evening Drop-In
Feb. 6, 7-9 Infant Loss Drop-In
Feb. 16, 7-9 Evening Drop-In
Feb. 23, 7-9 Evening Drop-In
Feb. 27, 1-3 Afternoon Drop-In
Feb. 27, 7-9 Older Children Loss Reconnect
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The Angels’ Tree of Light Gathers Us Together
On November 24, 2011, a large crowd gathered at the Durham District Board of Education building for our annual Angels’ Tree of Light ceremony. And once again the angels and clear lights in their splendour adorned our tree in memory of our loved ones. This year the Angels were purchased. Susan and Vincent Hendricks covered the printing cost of the programs in memory of their daughter Kristina Nicole Hendricks, as well as Mary and John Gallello in memory of their son John-John Gallello and their daughter Tanya Marie Gallello. John and Magda Zoelman covered the cost of the refreshments in memory of their son Dennis John Zoelman, as well as Paul and Joyce Smith in memory of their daughter Paula Marie Smith.
Joyce Schneider welcomed all who were present. We were again honoured to have Tom Easthope give the opening remarks. Jennifer Carter, who spoke graciously from her heart, dedicated our tree this year in memory of her sister Julie Marie Carter. Angela White and Lance White led the assembly in memory of her daughter and his niece Christina Grace Glover, in a moving responsive reading. The honour of lighting the tree this year was given to Michelle, Jason, Kendra and Jocelyn Murray in memory of their son and brother Tyler Jason Murray. Again this year, Lauren Sears sang for us while her father Richard Sears played the guitar. Throughout the evening Tom Wilson softly played guitar music. Light refreshments served after the ceremony provided an opportunity for all to mingle and share in their stories of grief and renewing life.
Thanks to Durham District Board of Education, M&M Meat Shops (Michelle Taylor, Joyce and Paul Smith), Thornton Cemetery Crematorium and Mausoleum, and Tim Horton’s.
A very special thank you to everyone who assisted the Committee at various times: Bev Campbell, Jenn Carter, Marlene Charewicz, Joyce Foreman, Caroline Goswell, Amy Larocque, Nichole Dickhoff, Ria Nyland, Joyce Smith, Angela White, Magda Zoelman, Cam Young, Sharon Sears (Staff Support).
Thanks to everyone who helped out before, during and after the event with our tree and food preparations.
Last but not least, thank you to all who supported this event through the purchase of an angel. This ceremony is truly a special event for all of us at Bereaved Families-Durham Region.
Jane Carter
Angels' Tree of Light Committee Chair
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Upcoming Fundraisers
Feb. 5 The Perfect You Charity Bridal Show - all proceeds to BFO-Durham
Feb. 11 Valentine's Day Dinner and Dance -
all proceeds to BFO-Durham
21 years ago my little sister, Paulina Mary Moreino passed away from Muscular Dystrophy. A painful time for my family, but to help us through this time was Bereaved Families of Ontario-Durham Region. I have been to many Angel Tree ceremonies, walk-a-thons, youth support groups and other BFO events. Last summer we held the Angel Night fundraiser and this year my mother and I have decided to hold A Valentine's Dinner and Dance.
All proceeds will be donated to BFO-Durham who has done so much for all of us through our difficult time. I only want to be able to give back and this fundraiser is my way of doing just that! So please come show your support, the night will be filled with great food, good music, lots of goodies and amazing company!
Can't wait to see you all there!
Andrea Provenzano
Mar. 4 The Walk to Remember -
BFO-Durham Fundraiser Event
Once again, we are seeking your help for the Walk to Remember. If you can volunteer a few hours either prior to or on the day of this event, please contact Sharon at the BFO-Durham office.
"It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing." ~Mother Theresa
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Our appeal to former participants in our support groups
Do you remember your experience in one of our support groups, where you could freely discuss your grief, feelings and other aspects of living without your beloved child? Do you feel it is time now to give something back to our organization?
We have a small core of volunteers who are facilitators for support groups and one-on-one interviews with newly bereaved parents. Because the core is so small, we are forced to ask the same volunteers over and over again to provide the support so desperately needed.
We are organizing a four-evening training session for new facilitators in the spring. This will take place on our premises.
Do you want to participate but are not sure if you have the qualification?
Well, what is most important is that you have a willingness to support newly bereaved parents by sharing your experience of grief and how you are able to cope with life again. You also need to be a good listener.
You will receive the support of experienced facilitators, you will develop new friendships and you will be amazed how much more you will learn about grief and how it affects one’s life.
If you are interested and would like some additional information, please contact our office by phone, email or by dropping in.
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