Children’s Grief Foundation of Canada is a national non-profit organization that helps to reduce financial barriers for children in need of grief and bereavement services. We spoke with Dr. Marissa Slaven, Palliative Care Consultant and Chair of the Grants Committee for Children’s Grief Foundation of Canada, to learn more about them.
Describe your charity/non-profit in a few sentences.
Children’s Grief Foundation of Canada is a national non-profit organization that helps to reduce financial barriers for children in need of grief and bereavement services. Although we are only two years old we have already supported many programs to help children and their families all across Canada.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Children’s grief is an under-recognized issue. Sometimes we look away from problems because it is difficult to face them if we feel helpless. The fact is there are so many wonderful people around our country who would love to be able to help grieving kids but lack the funds to do so. We don’t need to look away from children’s grief any longer we simply need to find the funds to support those professionals who can help them with it.
When did you start/join it?
I have been involved with it since its inception. We received our charitable status in 2020 but along with other board members I was involved in helping to plan and submit that application.
What made you want to get involved?
I have worked in palliative care for over twenty-five years now and my experience is that there are almost always children/grandchildren who are grieving and that families who are dealing with their own loss of a loved one have a very challenging time being able to guide/help the children involved.
What was the situation like when you started?
When we started this non-profit many people were unaware of children’s grief and many more were aware but felt powerless to help.
How has it changed since?
Each year we have seen the awareness of children’s grief grow and the number of individuals and programs who want to help them increase.
What more needs to be done?
Ideally, provinces would fund children’s grief programs so that they would be free of charge to families and accessible to all. Until that time raising awareness and raising funds to support children’s grief is a great option.
How can our readers help?
Readers can help by spreading awareness that children’s grief is an important problem that our society should address, they can donate one time or they can set up a recurring donation with our organization. We in turn will make sure the money goes directly to caring individuals who are committed to helping kids.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
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