What We Do
We are a local charitable organization whose cause is to support a person, family or group dealing with grief from the death of a loved one.
Our Core Beliefs
We believe that mutual, peer support programs, led by experienced volunteer facilitators, play a significant role in the relief of grief by:
Providing hope and coping skills though mutual support
Authentically relating to one another
Creating a safe and reliable space in which to grieve
Respecting that every person learns to live with grief in their own way
Building and sustaining mutually beneficial connections
Embracing the richness of unique and diverse life experiences
Our Responsibility
We also believe that BFO-Toronto through its staff and volunteers has the responsibility to be:
Compassionate
Providing hope for one another in a confidential, safe, supportive and nurturing environment. No one can understand the bereaved like another bereaved person.
Authentic
Authentically relating to one another with caring, empathy, openness and acceptance.
Understanding
Respecting that while there are common threads that weave themselves among the bereaved, every person learns to live with grief in their own way.
Inclusive
Celebrating and embracing the richness of unique and diverse life experiences. Our work must be framed within a context of equity and inclusion.
Transparent and accountable
Creating a safe and reliable space in which to grieve, through honesty and transparency. Our organization must be built on a foundation of integrity.
Well governed
Building and sustaining mutually beneficial connections with members, volunteers, donors and community partners. Always putting the community first.
This short video gives an inside look at Bereaved Families of Ontario – Toronto. Who we are, what we do, and how we walk alongside individuals and families navigating grief.
Whether you’re a family member, volunteer, or community partner, this video is a reminder of the compassionate work happening every day and the safe spaces we strive to create.
Take a moment to watch, share, and learn more about our mission to support families with dignity, understanding, and connection.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis or has suicide-related concerns please consider connecting with one of the following confidential services:
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8 for a safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Gerstein Crisis Centre: Call 416-929-5200 for telephone support, an in-person mobile crisis team, community support referrals, substance use crisis management, follow-up and access to short-term crisis beds.
Kids Help Phone: People ages 5 to 29 can call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868 to connect with a trained crisis responder.