DonateVolunteer

Volunteer

Our volunteers are an essential part of our organization. Whether leading support groups, organizing fundraising and memorial events, supporting grief literacy work or serving on one of our committees, our volunteers make our work possible!

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:
BFO-MR’s Board of Directors, leadership and staff are committed to equity work. We have started this work internally and know that in order to best serve communities, this work must be intentional and ongoing. We are committed to having our team represent diverse communities. We welcome and encourage the broad range of lived experiences, skills and knowledge that applicants with diverse abilities, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and ethnicity bring.

Current Opportunities

Peer Grief Support Facilitator

Our peer grief support programs are not possible without the incredible care and compassion of our volunteer facilitators. We are actively recruiting facilitators with the ultimate goal of increasing our capacity to offer virtual and in-person options for all programs. If you are at a point in your grief where you feel ready to give back, please apply today. We also accept letters of interest and/or a resume with accompanying cover letter emailed to volunteer@bfomidwest.org. We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2024 Facilitator Training.

Facilitator training is a requirement for volunteers who apply to lead BFO-MR’s peer support grief groups. Training is provided over 2-3 days and combines both in-person and virtual aspects. Day 1 and 2 are required for all facilitators, with day 3 being a requirement for any volunteer who wishes to facilitate a closed program (i.e. program for parents grieving the death of an infant or child). Day 3 covers the closed format and story sharing aspects of the group.

DAY ONE (virtual) – ALL FACILITATORS:
March 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

  • Introduction to staff, the organization, and the other trainees
  • Learn what peer support is
  • Review of guidelines and purpose of group
  • Creating safety and trust as a facilitator
  • The importance of setting boundaries
  • How to support yourself/how we support you
  • Equity work at BFO

DAY TWO (in-person) – ALL FACILITATORS:
March 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  • Your role as a facilitator (and co-facilitator)
  • How to prepare for group
  • Setting up the physical space
  • How to be an active and empathetic listener
  • Working with emotions
  • Essential facilitator skills and interventions
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Dealing with challenging behaviours and common difficulties in group
  • Review of the suicide risk protocol
  • Learn how to debrief and about the importance of self-care
  • Next steps – onboarding

Day 3 (half-day in person) Required for child/infant loss facilitators, optional for others:
March 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

  • The stages of group development
  • Group process
  • Story sharing (everyone shares their story)
  • Closing a group

Our facilitator training program is generously supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund.

Fundraising Committee

Bereaved Families of Ontario – Midwestern Region programs are offered free charge. The work we do providing peer grief support, education and outreach programming and community initiatives is made possible through the generosity of donors, grants, events, corporate support and fundraising initiatives.

As a small staff team, our networks are somewhat limited. The fundraising committee can help us broaden our reach, build valuable relationships and raise more funds so people who are grieving can access the support and resources they need.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the fundraising committee is to plan, implement, and evaluate fundraising activities that support the mission and vision of the organization. The committee works closely with staff to identify fundraising goals, strategies and opportunities.

The fundraising committee is responsible for:

  • Developing an annual fundraising plan that aligns with the organization’s strategic plan and budget
  • Identifying and cultivating potential donors, sponsors, and partners
  • Researching relevant grant opportunities
  • Soliciting and securing donations, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions
  • Support with fundraising events and campaigns
  • Acknowledging and stewarding donors and sponsors
  • Maintaining accurate and timely records of fundraising activities and outcomes
  • Reporting on fundraising progress and challenges to the Executive Director
  • Collaborating with other committees, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to ensure effective and coordinated fundraising efforts
  • Reviewing and evaluating fundraising policies and procedures
  • Conducting research and analysis on fundraising trends and best practices

MEETING SCHEDULE:

The committee will meet virtually on a quarterly basis. It may be decided that sub-committees or task groups be established to move initiatives forward. If that’ s the case, additional meetings will be scheduled on an
as-needed basis based.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

As an operational committee for BFO, the fundraising committee reports to the Executive Director. Any requests to act on behalf of BFO in its fundraising endeavours must be approved by the Executive Director.

COMMITTEE PARTICIPANTS

The fundraising committee is comprised of the BFO Executive Director, a member of the Board of Directors and other interested and enthusiastic volunteers.

COMMITTEE TERM

We ask that fundraising committee members sign on for at least a one-year term so progress can be made, and the ongoing sustainability of the committee can be ensured.

Please fill out an application form, submit your resume to volunteer@bfomidwest.org or contact us if you’re interested in learning more.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors for Bereaved Families of Ontario – Midwestern Region (BFO-MR) is actively engaged in the governance of our not-for-profit organization. Board members are critical to our success and growth and contribute to the overall effectiveness of us meeting the needs of people in the community who are grieving.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:

  • Is an empathetic individual with a passion for ensuring grief support and education are accessible
  • Possesses the ability to think critically and strategically and collaborate effectively.
  • Experience in the following areas an asset:
    • Fundraising
    • Marketing and communications
    • Legal
    • Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) work
    • Accounting and finance

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Act as positive and passionate ambassadors for BFO-MR both in the board room and out in the community.
  • Regularly attend, be prepared for and actively participate in bi-monthly board meetings.
  • Participate on at least one committee of the board.
  • Ensure the organization’s activities align with its mission and vision and the objectives outlined in our Strategic Plan.
  • Provide constructive feedback and maintain an open dialogue with the Board Chair as it relates to the performance of the Executive Director.
  • Keep informed about the organization, its issues, and its connection to the community through active participation within BFO-MR and conscientious connection outside our organization.
  • Help identify and cultivate relationships in the community.

TIME COMMITMENT:
The expected time commitment is approximately 1.5 hours for board meetings, plus approximately 1-2 hour of committee work/preparation outside of the meetings. Board meetings are bi-monthly from January to June and September to November with committee meetings in the interim (schedule to be determined). Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the Executive Director or the Chair. Between Board meetings, members are asked to actively work on their committee projects to ensure activities are proceeding according to schedules.

TERM:
The length of term for a Board Member is two years, which is renewable for additional terms at the request of the Chair. Terms are renewed at our Annual General Meeting.

DIVERSITY AND EQUITY COMMITMENT: BFO-MR’s Board of Directors, leadership and staff are committed to diversity and equity work. We have started this work internally and know that in order to best serve the diversity of people who live in our communities, it must be intentional and ongoing. It is our expectation that future Board Members will join us in this commitment.

HOW TO APPLY: If you are interested in becoming a Board member, please fill out an application form or submit a letter of interest with your resume to volunteer@bfomidwest.org. Your application will be reviewed by the Board Chair and our selection committee. Only suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Bingo Volunteers

Bereaved Families of Ontario – Midwestern Region (BFO-MR) is fortunate to be a recipient of funds raised through bingo sessions held at the KW Gaming Centre in Kitchener. We are one of over 60 member organizations whose sessions are generously run by volunteers.

Session teams consist of 2-3 volunteers who fill the following roles:

Front desk sales:

  • Counting card inventory
  • Greeting customers and selling bingo cards
  • Managing cash float
  • Tracking sales and calculating payouts through duration of bingo session
  • Reconciling inventory and sales at the end of the shift

Runners:

  • Assist front desk with counting card inventory at the beginning of shift
  • Selling specials before bingo begins
  • Confirm bingo winners and ensure proper payout
  • Demanding role (standing/walking for duration of shift; 4 hours)

If you’d like to learn more, please contact us at volunteer@bfomidwest.org or fill out an application form.

Interested in volunteering outside of the roles above? We’d like to hear from you to discuss how you’d like to get involved! Please contact us at volunteer@bfomidwest.org or 519-603-0196 or fill out an application form.