Giving Back to Our Community: Supporting Local Charities
At Aspire, we believe that true success is measured not just by the work we do, but by the impact we have on those around us. That’s why we’re proud to support local charities that are making a real difference in our community. Partnering with these organizations allows us to give back in meaningful ways, whether through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness.
In this post, we’re excited to share more about BFO- Ottawa region (Bereaved Families Ontario) and why supporting this organization is so important to us and the community.
Nobody Should Grieve Alone
At Bereaved Families of Ontario – Ottawa Region (BFO Ottawa), we know that grief doesn’t follow a map or schedule. It’s a lifelong journey that changes over time—and for many, that journey can feel lonely or overwhelming.
That’s why we’re here. For over 45 years, BFO Ottawa has offered peer-led bereavement support and grief education to people grieving the death of a loved one. All of our support groups are led by trained volunteer facilitators who have lived through grief themselves and are here to walk beside others with empathy and understanding.
Whether someone is grieving the loss of a spouse/partner, child, parent, sibling, friend, or a loss by suicide or substance use, they will find a safe, supportive community at BFO Ottawa—one where healing can begin and hope can grow.
Through BFO Ottawa’s loss by suicide group, I found a safe space to talk and share how I honour my daughter. They provided understanding and hope.
— Diane Pitcher, who donates annually so others can receive the same support she did.
BFO became a lifeline after my dad died during the pandemic. We felt supported as a family, but we were also given space to grieve in our own way. That meant everything.
— Mai-Lan Tomkins
What We Offer
There is no cost to attend our drop-in programs but we do welcome donations. Our programs are there to support people through every stage of their grief journey, including:
- Weekly Support & Share Afternoons (drop-in)
- Monthly Support & Share Nights (drop-in)
- Grief Walks – Gentle walks with others who understand
- Art Therapy – Expressing grief through creativity
- Eight-week Closed Groups for specific types of loss
- Annual Memorial Events – Butterfly Release in June, Candlelight Event in November
- Community Education Workshops – Helping people better understand grief
All of our programs are offered in a safe, compassionate, and inclusive environment.
How You Can Help
BFO Ottawa is a small, volunteer-driven charity. We receive no sustainable government funding and rely on donations, fundraisers, and a few grants to keep our programs going.
Each year, we support nearly 3,000 people through more than 300 grief support sessions—and we couldn’t do it without our community.
If BFO Ottawa has touched your life, or if you believe in the power of peer support, here are three ways you can help:
- Donate – Every dollar helps ensure no one has to grieve alone
- Volunteer – Become a trained peer support facilitator
- Leave a Legacy – A gift in your will can help others in the future and reduce taxes on your estate
Together, we can make sure that no one in our community has to walk through grief alone.
Learn more at bfo-ottawa.org
