Perinatal Bereavement Services Ontario (PBSO)
My name is Lise Ferguson, and I am the Executive Director of Perinatal Bereavement
Services Ontario (www.pbso.ca).
I originally heard about PBSO after the deaths of my infant twin daughters, and
attended support group meetings and special events PBSO provided. Finding help at
PBSO made me realize the grief I felt was real, and that there were people who understood
and acknowledged my devastating losses. After using PBSO as a client, I was inspired
to become more involved and give back to this incredible organization, first as
a volunteer, and now as a staff member. PBSO means so much to me that I still work
as a volunteer group facilitator - I am able to support other parents in our self-help
groups as I was helped through the most difficult part of my life.
Let's go back - In 1992, four mothers had a dream. They wanted to establish a charitable
organization to support bereaved parents who have suffered the death of a baby -
an organization they wish had existed when their own babies died and they could
find no support.
In 2006, Perinatal Bereavement Services Ontario celebrated our 15th year! For a
decade and a half, PBSO has touched thousands of people all over Ontario - bereaved
parents, siblings, grandparents, and extended family and friends, and the professionals
who help them, such as health care professionals, clergy and funeral directors.
The professionals we train though our educational programs learn how to care for
families who have lost a baby.
We have a small number of very hard-working staff members, all part-time, and nearly
100 dedicated volunteers. Every month, around 20 new families seek support from
PBSO, month after month, year after year, and the demand for our services is ever
increasing. We offer a variety of programs and services, such as group support,
telephone support, memorial services such as a Butterfly Release, a Walk to Remember
and Dove Release, and holiday candlelighting services. Around 350 adults and children
attend our annual family picnic.
Statistics tell us that as many as one in three pregnancies ends in miscarriage,
and almost one out of every 100 pregnancies ends in stillbirth or newborn death.
This means the funding provided to PBSO by OTIP/RAEO through their annual golf tournament
has a direct impact on literally thousands of Ontarians every year. The money raised
at the golf tournament makes a big difference to a charity like PBSO who struggles
with severe cutbacks in government funding for health and community services. With
the generous support provided by OTIP/RAEO, PBSO provides a much-needed service
to families who are experiencing the most devastating loss imaginable - the loss
of a baby is not only the loss of a person, a family member, but the loss of the
hopes and dreams for the future. Clients often say to us "I don't know what I would
have done without PBSO".
I sincerely want to thank OTIP/RAEO and all the organizers and participants of the
annual golf tournament. OTIP/RAEO is a shining example of true corporate philanthropy
and community giving. You make a real difference in the lives of thousands of Ontarians.
Thank you for your past support in and we look forward to working with you again
in upcoming years to continue our work with bereaved families.
Lise Ferguson, Executive Director
Perinatal Bereavement Services Ontario
www.pbso.ca
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