London, ON – On Sunday, June 22, 2025, local MPP Peggy Sattler met with the team at Bereaved Families of Ontario Southwest to hear more about the Resilient Community Fund grant they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to build its resilience and sustainability by expanding program capacity to respond to growing community needs, helping bereaved persons navigate their grief emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
“Bereaved Families of Ontario Southwest has been an invaluable help to countless community members as they have navigated loss,” said Peggy Sattler, MPP for London West. “The peer support groups they facilitate offer safe places to share stories, express grief and find empathetic connections. I am pleased that with the support of the Ontario Trillium Fund, more people will benefit from this compassionate and effective approach to processing grief, and know they are not alone.”
The OTF grant has enabled BFO-SW to develop and implement a robust revenue strategy to ensure sustainability, expand community engagement through programs tailored to emerging needs and trends, and grow its volunteer force to deliver dynamic services. These efforts are driving greater access to and improved quality of support for the community.
“We are deeply grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous support,” said Laura Scott, Executive Director of Bereaved Families of Ontario Southwest. “The Resilient Communities Fund has been instrumental in expanding our life-changing programs, enabling us to reach a broader and more diverse community. This support allows us to deliver enhanced programming, provide hope, and empower individuals as they navigate their journey of loss, ensuring our community continues to heal and grow together.”
BFO-SW has been a trusted resource for the community for over 30 years, offering peer-based emotional support, educational resources, and workshops. The organization’s work is grounded in the belief that healing and resilience are possible through connection, understanding, and compassion. With the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, BFO-SW will continue to enhance its services to better meet the evolving needs of individuals and families in the region.