Camp Kerry Society

In memory of Rob Rose, we are pleased to introduce the Rose Family Student Bursary. This fund will provide financial support to youth who have suffered the loss of a parent as they pursue their post-secondary studies: https://campkerrysociety.org/rose-family-student-bursary/

...There is a great need for the connection and healing that art therapy offers. And as the opportunity to participate virtually has completely removed geographic barriers from the equation, I’ve seen how extensive the need really is. Sophie, Art Therapist Learn how Camp Kerry participants journeyed together, infused creativity, and pursued hope as a community in 2020: https://campkerrysociety.org/2020-annual-report/

Sending a shout out to Oli - Your Island Realtor for making another contribution. Your gift will make a HUGE difference for those coping with serious illness, grief and loss all across Canada! We encourage anyone looking to buy or sell a house in Canada to reach out to Olivier. He will work with agents in your area to get you the best deal. Not to mention, partial proceeds from each transaction will be used to offer Grief Support to individuals and families from your community : )

Sending love out to our friend Oli - Your Island Realtor. Your continuous support truly makes a HUGE difference! For anyone looking to buy or sell a home in Canada...contact Oli - Your Island Realtor first and mention "Camp Kerry". He can work with you and representatives in your area to get you the best deal. Proceeds of each transaction are used to support life after loss through us!

Member of Parliament, Gord Johns MP for Courtenay-Alberni, continues to work with - and advocate for - the Camp Kerry Society, Hospices, First Nations and all Canadians around matters that pertain to bereavement care. Thanks again Gord and other MP's who are working together to seek compassionate change for all Canadians.

This is incredible! Thank you so much Trish and donors.

Isn't it about time you checked in? These drop-in sessions are available at no cost to essential service workers all across Canada. For more information please visit our website: https://campkerrysociety.org/connections-frontline-convers/ #Mentalhealth #Covid19 #Bereavement

Visit our website for more information and to register: https://campkerrysociety.org/these-simple-words-virtual2021/ Next workshop occurring January 31st!

WE DID IT, TOGETHER! Together, we've raised over $19,084 for online grief support in 2021. Thank you! Everyone here at Camp Kerry wishes to share our heartfelt gratitude for the generous response of our community over the holiday season. Thank you for coming together in support of grieving Canadians. ... Together, we raised $19,084 towards our goal of $20,000 to ensure our team can continue to make compassionate connections with those who have experienced loss, grief and the challenges of working on the frontlines of healthcare in the coming year. Thank you for standing with us this holiday season and for making a huge difference for those who are grieving.

Register now for a songwriting workshop with Music Therapist, Luke Burton. No musical experience necessary! Pay by donation. The next 3 hour workshop is on January 31, 2021: https://campkerrysociety.org/these-simple-words-virtual2021/

This year you can find inner peace by starting today: https://campkerrysociety.org//virtual-mindfulness-meditat/

Drop-in groups on the 2nd Tuesday and 4th Wednesday of each month. Ideal for Healthcare Professionals and Essential Service Providers in Hospitals, Schools and Community-based Services: https://campkerrysociety.org/connections-frontline-convers/

HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE + LAST CHANCE FOR 2020 CHARITABLE TAX RECEIPTS! A quick reminder that today is the last day to give in order to receive a charitable tax receipt for 2020. Please help ensure that Camp Kerry can continue to make compassionate connections with those who have experienced loss, grief and the challenges of working on the frontlines of healthcare in 2020. ... To receive your 2020 charitable tax receipt, please give generously today before midnight: https://campkerrysociety.org/donate-now/ Wishing you a safe and happy New Year’s Eve!

PROGRESS UPDATE As a community, we’ve raised $15,227 towards our goal of $20,000 for online grief support groups next year. Thank you! This holiday season, we have been sharing about the incredible new programs Camp Kerry launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We moved our regular in-person support groups and programs online, plus created new ones for the emerging need for connection and community among those who are frontline health workers. ... We need your help to continue them in 2021. We are so close to our goal - but we can’t reach it without you. Will you join us? Please consider giving today: https://campkerrysociety.org/donate-now/

If you've got an interest in music and are between the ages of 13(ish) and 24(ish) then don't miss out on this. Space is limited so register today: https://campkerrysociety.org//nation-wide-youth-recording/

We have lots of virtual options to choose from for 2021. All are welcome to register: https://campkerrysociety.org//virtual-mindfulness-meditat/

If you're struggling or simply want to be around others who can relate then come and join us today for an hour or so: https://campkerrysociety.org/drop-in-grief-support-group-c/ #SupportingLifeAfterLoss #Bereavement #Christmas

As long as we live, they too will live; for they are now a part of us as we remember them.

As we we reflect on this year, 2020 has reinforced more than ever, the importance of coming together in the face of challenge and adversity. We are humbled by t...he amazing work of our partner organizations and their capacity to meet the needs of local communities no matter what challenge comes along. Thank you for your dedication and that of all the wonderful volunteers who are essential to keeping things running. We are proud to walk along side you. We wish you all happy holidays this season. Sources Community Resource Centres CityReach Care Society KidSafe Project Camp Kerry Society Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) Canadian Red Cross Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House Covenant House Vancouver The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary Kiwassa Neighbourhood House Coast Mental Health Fresh Roots Urban Farm Society VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation Britannia Community Services Centre BC Children's Hospital Foundation Sarah McLachlan School of Music Vancouver Coastal Health Collingwood Neighbourhood House (Official) Providence Health Care Fraser Health YWCA Metro Vancouver

When we have achievements that are based on theirs - We remember them.

Cheers to Vancouver International Airport for stepping up to help families through us! Your contribution will certainly make an impact!

When we have decisions that are difficult to make - We remember them.

Till we meet again, thank-you to all for bringing the magic to Camp Kerry!

Now accepting registrations from all across Canada for our Virtual Community Choirs. No experience necessary to join: https://campkerrysociety.org/now-accepting-2021-virtual-ch/ Ideal for those coping with serious illness, grief and loss. All are welcome.

If you're coping with serious illness, grief or loss and looking for ways to find inner peace then consider this online series. Registration is free and all are welcome to attend. Visit our website for more information and to register: https://campkerrysociety.org/writing-our-grief/ #mindfulness #bereavement

When we have joy we crave to share - We remember them.

Registration is open all across Canada for the next sessions of our virtual pregnancy and infant loss support groups: https://campkerrysociety.org/connections-virtual-pregnancy/

When we are lost and sick at heart - We remember them.

Another amazing candle light ceremony with Camp Kerry Society. After a lovely afternoon filled with trading carols back and forth on zoom with my wonderful peer... Aspen, we had a beautiful gathering to honour the love for our families. The holidays can be such complicated times as it is, and now they can be that much harder. I’m so grateful to be able to be part of this again. Thank you for sharing this space with me. See more

Gotta love these guys! Remember, if you're looking to buy or sell a home anywhere in Canada, reach out to our friend Oli - Your Island Realtor and mention Camp Kerry. Olivier will work hard to get you the best deal, and for every sale he'll donate to support families through us : )

If you are grieving you don't have to be alone. There's still time to join us today for an experience of connection, healing and hope: https://campkerrysociety.org/interlude-a-holiday-grief-gat/ #bereavement #griefsupport

Join us virtually today in memory of those who have passed. Registration is free: https://campkerrysociety.org/interlude-a-holiday-grief-gat/ #bereavement #wellness

When we are weary and in need of strength - We remember them.

What has stood out to me the most over the last eight months is that there is a great need for the connection and healing that art therapy offers. And as the opportunity to participate virtually has completely removed geographic barriers from the equation, I’ve seen how extensive the need really is. Although hosting an art therapy session over Zoom has its challenges, it’s not really that different from meeting in person. I’m still able to engage the kids with crafts, play, m...usic and sharing. And in my family sessions, adults get to participate in making art too. From my home in Vancouver I’m able to engage hurting and isolated families across the country and facilitate connections and conversations that wouldn’t have been possible before. - Sophie, Camp Kerry's Professional Art Therapist --- Sophie, one of Camp Kerry’s Professional Art Therapists, has really appreciated being able to continue her work with grieving families and children during the pandemic. This holiday season, will you consider making a gift to support the continuation of essential programs like Family Art Therapy in 2021? Check out our website for more details on how your contribution will be used: https://campkerrysociety.org/

If you're thinking of buying or selling a home anywhere in Canada then reach out to our friend Olivier and mention Camp Kerry. He'll work with you to get you the best deal and also donate part of his commission to help support life after loss through us!

Whether your needing support or wanting to support others you're welcome to join us:https://campkerrysociety.org/interlude-a-holiday-grief-gat/ #bereavement

At the beginning of the year and when it ends - We remember them.

At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn - We remember them.

At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer - We remember them.

At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring - We remember them.

At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter - We remember them.

Learn helpful techniques and coping strategies and more from our skilled therapists on December 19 at Interlude: A Holiday Grief Gathering. To register and for more information visit our website - https://campkerrysociety.org/interlude-a-holiday-grief-gat/ #bereavement #SupportingLifeAfterLoss #Interlude

At the rising of the sun and at its going down - We remember them.

Join us December 19th for a virtual memory service to honour loved ones at Interlude: A Holiday Grief Gathering. More information available on our website - https://campkerrysociety.org/interlude-a-holiday-grief-gat/ #bereavement #SupportingLifeAfterLoss #Interlude

Register here to learn how to help those in your life who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. https://campkerrysociety.org/interlude-a-holiday-grief-gat/

Do you have a teenager who's struggling due to a loss? We can help at Interlude: A Holiday Grief Gathering. Visit our website for more information and to register - https://campkerrysociety.org/interlude-a-holiday-grief-gat/ #bereavement #SupportingLifeAfterLoss #Interlude

Today we remember Kerry Glade Kirstiuk.

We know the holidays can be difficult for those who are grieving, so for a chance to feel a little better join us December 19 at Interlude: A Holiday Grief Gathering. Registration is free - https://campkerrysociety.org/interlude-a-holiday-grief-gat/ #bereavement #SupportingLifeAfterLoss

Register today for workshops like this and more happening December 19 at Interlude: A Holiday Grief Gathering: https://campkerrysociety.org/interlude-a-holiday-grief-gat/ *Registration is Free #bereavement #SupportingLifeAfterLoss

Get registered for workshops like this and more happening December 19 at Interlude: A Holiday Grief Gathering: https://campkerrysociety.org/interlude-a-holiday-grief-gat/ *Registration is Free #bereavement #SupportingLifeAfterLoss

My friend Amanda is such a compassionate person. She really gives her all to Camp Kerry and I respect her commitment. This is my one small gesture to say, I see you. I see your hard work, and I support you and love you. This gift is for you. - Camp Kerry Donor --- Camp Kerry has always been fuelled by the compassion, dedication and hard work of a family of volunteers. Many are frontline healthcare workers: nurses, physicians, counsellors, expressive arts therapists and soci...al workers. Our volunteers need your help. For the first time, they are reaching out to Camp Kerry for community, connection and support as they experience the challenges and demands of COVID-19 in their work, their personal health and well-being, and as they provide care to those who are struggling with grief and loss. In March 2020, we moved our support groups online and introduced several new programs including a Frontline Health Worker Support group. The need for the compassionate connections provided by our programs has grown and we are determined to rise to the unique challenges of this time. We are aiming to raise $20,000 by the end of the year to ensure that we can meet the growing needs of frontline healthcare workers and all grieving Canadians next year. This year, in honour of the compassion and dedication that this community was built on, you can choose to dedicate your gift to a specific Camp Kerry volunteer. Just let us know who they are when you give: https://campkerrysociety.org/donate-now/

Hello world, we're happy to be back - virtually that is! -Check out our small online shop which features a number of products suitable for all ages. 100% of al...l profits are used to provide grief supports to children and families all across Canada, so this holiday season consider us and a gift that keeps on giving: https://kerrysboutique.ca See more

Our very own, Dr. Heather Mohan, was on the radio this morning supporting #PledgeDaycknw in order to help make a difference for kids all across BC! We are grateful to have friends like CKNW Kids' Fund whom have generously sponsored hundreds of kids through our bereavement programs in British Columbia for many years.

I’ve appreciated the chance to stay at home and calm down from the rigamarole of busy schedules. At home we support each other, we work on the house, we cook up old family recipes and now new ones. We have a full garden in the backyard which we tend to. Board games that were once collecting dust in the basement from when I was a child have been given a new life. Working from home has given me more quality time with my kids. Although we have maintained physical distancing fro...m other households, we seem to be closer to them through more frequent and less rushed phone calls and video chats. The restrictions of life during a pandemic have been a blessing in disguise in a way. - Paolo, Camp Kerry Family Retreat participant --- Paolo, his two kids, ages 7 and 9, and his mother have been active members of the Camp Kerry community since the sudden loss of his wife three years ago. Paolo and his family have been regulars in our online grief support groups this fall. While they’ve enjoyed being home and spending time as a family, they also know that they need to continue the journey of healing and learning to live with their loss. We know that the hurt kids and adults feel on this journey doesn’t get put on hold during a pandemic. Our work as counsellors, expressive arts therapists and community builders continues. Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday. This is a global day of collective generosity when many people choose to make a gift to a charity they love. This Giving Tuesday, will you consider supporting families like Paolo’s with a gift towards our online support groups? We need your help to continue them in 2021. Learn more and give now: https://campkerrysociety.org/donate-now/

Quite suddenly I went from being a volunteer to a program participant. I was in need of care, compassion and support and I knew that no one at Camp Kerry would judge me for needing help. If I was going to continue being a contributor at work, I needed a place to share and connect with others who are facing the same challenges. - Catherine Andrews, Palliative Care Nurse & Camp Kerry Volunteer --- We’re seeing the COVID-19 pandemic take a real physical and emotional toll on ...frontline healthcare workers: nurses, physicians, counsellors, expressive arts therapists and social workers. These incredible people face risks to their own health, adjust to massive changes at work, and bear witness to incredible suffering. That’s why one of the first things we did at Camp Kerry in March 2020 was to launch an online support group for frontline healthcare workers. It was time for us to take care of the people who have been selflessly giving their time and talents to care for Camp Kerry’s grieving families for so many years. This fall and winter we have continued to provide support to frontline workers like Catherine through dedicated online support groups offered in two different time zones. These groups are open to any frontline healthcare workers who are seeking a community to lift them up through this crisis. With the holidays approaching we know that this program needs to continue into 2021. Will you consider making a gift towards our online support programs? Learn more and give today: https://campkerrysociety.org/donate-now/

This holiday season consider giving a gift that keeps on giving.

Today we stand in solidarity with our friends and neighbours in the US as we honour each life that has passed, and those who continue to mourn on Children's Grief Awareness Day A message of hope to all from members of our community: https://youtu.be/6dgi-F6r_eY #SupportingLifeAfterLoss

Did you know that our very own Dr. Heather Mohan served two terms on the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association's board? During her time, the board was successful with a request directed at the Federal government - to declare a day each November as National Bereavement Day - a day for Canadians to reflect on the lives of those who have died, and to come together in support of those who are grieving. Today marks the fourth National Bereavement Day in Canada. Although we ...have made significant progress over the years in regard to increasing awareness about bereavement care, we still have lots more work to do. With your help, we can get there... A few ways you can help Start a dialogue with your family to begin the process of normalizing conversations about death, dying and grief Engage in discussions on Social Media #LifeAfterLoss Share your story with us or with others Contact your local MLA to encourage bereavement care funding in your province Contact your Member of Parliament and request for a Bill to be passed that dedicates bereavement care funding and increases bereavement leave for all Canadians - refer to Josh's petition - e2293: https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details

Staff, Volunteers, Participants, Frontline Workers, and Friends of our community came together to record a message of hope and solidarity for all those who continue to be impacted by COVID-19. Special thanks to Andy Grammer & Michael Hurcomb

Sending BIG HUGS out to Oli - Your Island Realtor for continuing to Support Life After Loss through us. You recent contribution and ongoing commitment to our cause will help children, youth and families from all across Canada! For anyone looking to buy or sell a home in Canada...reach out to our friend Oli first, he'll help find you the best deal while working with agents in your area to provide you with a positive experience. Mention "Camp Kerry" to Oli and partial proceeds of your transaction will be donated and used to help Canadians coping with serious illness, grief and loss!

Camp Kerry Society asked families to send in picture of their pets a few months ago. We'd like to thank all our animals for always being there when we need them. So here's to you, furry friends; we sure do love you.

Yesterday, the music therapy community lost a very special person. Fran Herman was a pioneer of music therapy in Canada. She served on the CMTF’s Board of Direc...tors for 15 years and was heavily involved in all aspects of fundraising, including mobilizing the Canadian music industry to help support music therapy across the country. One of Fran’s proudest accomplishments was opening the doors to the Music Therapy Centre in Toronto in 2001. Fran received many honours for her tireless work, including the Music Industry Association of Canada’s inaugural MIAC Award and, more recently the Meritorious Service Medal (Civic Division) presented by the Governor General of Canada. Fran spent her music therapy career working with children. She was frequently approached by people wanting to learn more about working with children who were living with disabilities such as cerebral palsy so, in 1988, she collaborated with James Smith and wrote a book called Accentuate the Positive! The book includes this credo: I believe: that access to artistic expression is a basic human right that the arts are a means of communication, education, and liberation, answering the need to express common values, concerns, and experience that through the sharing and development of creative activity, peoplewho, because of their disabilities, are seen as receivers and consumerscan become contributors and sharers that the arts should be looked upon as a sound investment in human welfare and happiness rather than as frill activities that the healing role of the arts should not be overlooked, forgotten, or excluded because it does not always fit neatly within a formal medical/rehabilitation/educational structure Thank you, Fran, for your creativity, passion, hard work and tireless efforts to support and develop music therapy in Canada. The CMTF will continue on this path and will hold Fran in our hearts as we do this important work.

The next workshop is nearly full but we still have room for a couple of more. Everyone is welcome, and no experience is necessary. Visit our website for more information and to register for October 24th: https://campkerrysociety.org/songwriting-workshop-october-/

STARTING OCTOBER 26! This 6-week online program provides opportunities for adults, who have been bereaved during COVID-19, to connect and to share their experiences of loss in a supportive, compassionate environment with others who understand the unique challenges of losing a loved one during a pandemic. Visit our website for more information and to register for the fall sessions of this virtual support group: https://campkerrysociety.org/connections-beyond-the-virus-/

Today is International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day. We stand with everyone remembering their babies and the love carried forever.

************NEW START DATE: TUESDAY OCT 20th*********** Get connected with people who simply get it. Registration is now open - we welcome participants from all across Canada: https://campkerrysociety.org/virtual-perinatal-support.../

We just want to say thanks! Thanks for giving to support local charities such as ours. Without people like you we simply couldn't do what it is we do - especially during these strange and unusual times: https://campkerrysociety.org/donate-now/

FREE monthly support groups for Frontline Workers impacted by COVID-19. Ideal for Teachers, Nurses, Doctors, and Therapists. Visit our website for more information and to register: https://campkerrysociety.org/connections-frontline-fall-20/

Back by popular demand! Family Art Therapy: Virtual Series with Camp Kerry Art Therapist, Sophie Arkell. Visit our website for more information and to register for sessions that begin October 15: https://campkerrysociety.org/family-art-therapy-fall-virtu/

If you're a #youth between the ages of 13-19 and someone you love has died then come and join us. You'll have a chance to be with people who simply get it without a need to say anything. This will be a fun online gaming experiences unlike no other. Visit our website for more information and to register: https://campkerrysociety.org/connections-youth-2020/

This 6-week online program provides opportunities for adults, who have been bereaved during COVID-19, to connect and to share their experiences of loss in a supportive, compassionate environment with others who understand the unique challenges of losing a loved one during a pandemic. Visit our website for more information and to register for the fall sessions of this virtual support group: https://campkerrysociety.org/connections-beyond-the-virus-/

Registration is now open for the fall sessions of our virtual community choirs. Participants can join us from anywhere in Canada: https://campkerrysociety.org/community-choir/

Get connected with people who simply get it. Registration is now open - we welcome participants from all across Canada: https://campkerrysociety.org/virtual-perinatal-support-gro/

Thank-you Alexina, your performance of this song was a precious addition to the closing ceremonies at Kaleidoscope 2020!

Get get connected with people who simply understand. You deserve to feel better than you do right now. Registration for our fall sessions is now open. Adults from anywhere across Canada are welcome to attend: https://campkerrysociety.org/virtual-perinatal-support-gro/