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Five things I’ve learned as BFO-MR’s new ED
It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since I became Bereaved Families of Ontario – Midwestern Region’s new Executive Director. It has been a pleasure putting faces to the names I’d been hearing during the years I spent on the board. It has also been incredible exploring and digging deep to understanding everything, and everyone, that makes BFO-MR tick.
In my short time as ED, I’ve already learned some pretty impressive facts:
- Our members are truly inspiring. I am humbled by the courage our members show simply by walking into one of our support groups, or calling the office looking for someone who will listen and understand what they are going through. Grief is incredibly hard work. Thank you for trusting us to help you along your journey.
- Our volunteers are amazing. This one I knew already, but I think it’s worth repeating. A thousand times, and then some! Thank you to our board members who keep us strategic and focused. Thank you to the facilitators who commit so much of their time, energy and passion encouraging dialogue and storytelling to provide hope to those who are grieving. Thank you to all of our committee members who take such care in organizing our memorial and fundraising events to honour our loved ones.
- Our donors are incredible. We couldn’t do the work we do without the generosity of individuals, companies, foundations and third-party event organizers who support the work we do. Thank you for having the confidence in us to continue delivering on our mission.
- Our staff rock! If you’ve contacted the office you have likely talked to Alex our Program Coordinator, or Anum BFO-MR’s Event Coordinator. I’m proud, and excited, to be working alongside these two talented, dedicated, compassionate people who will help grow BFO-MR and ensure we can support even more people in our community.
- There is still much work to be done. So much work in the area of outreach has already been done to spread the word about BFO-MR and there are still so many opportunities to explore! By meeting with organizations and agencies who serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge & North Dumfries and now Guelph and Wellington County, we can increase awareness about BFO-MR and better meet the needs of our community. Thank you to those who have helped make those connections and get the conversation started.
As I continue to settle into my new role, I look forward to meeting more of our membership and getting to know our BFO-MR community better. I’m excited for this opportunity and look forward to what the future holds for us. Thank you for letting me be part of this journey.