On Sunday, March 3, 2013 Bereaved Families of Ontario–Durham Region held their annual “Walk to Remember” event.  Friends and family gathered to share in the memories of children they have lost.

Thanks to walkers, volunteers and generous donors, BFO-Durham was able to raise over $7,000.  The money raised from the Walk allows us to offer free support programs and services for bereaved families throughout Durham Region.  This year’s event involved many new faces who bravely attended the commemorative event for the first time.

This memorable event involved fun for the whole family with activities such as balloon making and face painting, compliments of our clowns Fripps and Binky.  Live entertainment was provided by The Charles Street Band.  The banner was donated by the Shelley family in loving memory of their daughter Hayden Sally Barbara Shelley, who was born sleeping on April 2, 2009.  A special thank you goes to Cathy and Fritz Wiener who graciously provided refreshments for the walk.

We cannot express how thankful we are to our generous sponsors whose contributions helped to create such an unforgettable day.  We are incredibly thankful to all who participated and contributed to the success of this event.  Many wonderful prizes were available this year, including an owl print sketched by Greg Timmins, donated in his memory by his mother Colleen.

A special thank you goes out to the sponsors:  Mark Geens from LaFarge Canada, 2 Maple Leaf tickets; Margaret Fortune, Personal Organizer; Anderson Funeral Home, $50 at The Keg; Armstrong Funeral Home, 2 Maple Leaf tickets; Jack and Lea Somers from Woodland Gardens Bed & Breakfast, one night accommodation;

and to the deserving top pledge earners:  Bonnie Lane, $1672; Magda Zoelman, $1000; Marcia Miles, $899; Wiener Family, $720; Bev Campbell,  $400; Susan Hardy, $302.