For the past 13 years, New Hope for Widow/ers has held an annual retreat to give support and encouragement, along with educational workshops to bereaved widows and widowers.
This year’s retreat takes place April 29 to May 1 at the Easter Seal Camp in Winfield.
Retreaters will have the opportunity to share their own personal story of loss in a small group setting, followed by workshops, with topics including: Hoping and Coping in the First Year, Transitioning to Living Single, Christianity and the Griever, Financial Advice, Complicated Grief, Experiencing Grief as a Man, Creating a Scrapbook Memory Activity.
The Sunday morning Service of Remembrance and Prayer features a time of reflection and concludes the retreat with a candle-lighting ceremony.
Saturday meals and Sunday breakfast are included, along with accommodations in heated rooms with single beds and shared washrooms. Some bursary funds are available on request.
“A retreat such as this is a valuable time to gain knowledge and understanding of the grief process as well as a way to be encouraged and strengthened through common shared experiences,” said Karen Bouchard, with New Hope. “A unique characteristic of New Hope is that, having experienced widowhood themselves, members are able to offer empathy and care to those who are mourning the loss of a spouse. The retreat is organized by the volunteer board of directors and other members who come alongside the newly bereaved as ‘companions.’”
“It takes courage to attend a retreat for grievers, but the overwhelming response from those who come is warm and positive. The goal is to create a safe place to share, learn and connect with others who have also been widowed, so retreaters will know they are not alone on the journey.”
Cost is $165. To register, call 250-545-6004 and leave a message or e-mail new-hope@telus.net with your mailing address. Learn more about New Hope at www.newhope-grief.org
