The History of Bereaved Families of Ontario (BFO):

After the death of his own daughter who fought and lost her battle to Leukemia; John McKibbon developed a bereavement support group in 1977 for other parents who had experienced the death of their child.  This support group was held within the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto where four bereaved Mothers (Margaret Darte, Irene Clarfield, Marilyn Lee and Diane Oakes) attended.  Following this experience of grief healing peer support, these 4 Mothers developed a new community based grief healing support organization known today as
"Bereaved Families of Ontario". (BFO)

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Currently, with various affiliate BFO locations across Ontario, community members who are experiencing grief after the death of a loved one can reach out and receive

- free of charge - 

grief healing peer support.

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In 2023, Bereaved Families of Ontario - York Region (BFOYR)  celebrates over 30 years

of providing grief healing peer support and education/awareness events for all individuals, families & community groups across

our beautiful York Region.   

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We would like to thank all of our Funders, Community Supporters & every Private Donor.  It is because of your generosity that BFOYR continues to remain an accessible resource for timely grief healing support for everyone who works and/or resides in

York Region.