The official newsletter of Bears Of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Winter Edition, June 2015

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Vision To provide leading support and exceptional care for families who experience the loss of their baby.

Mission Bears offered at every hospital providing vital Early supportAn Australia wide program which provides timely andRelevant information to families who experience Stillbirth, miscarriage, neonatal or infant loss

Ongoing comfort and a lifetime of support From families who understand

Helping to challenge and shape beliefs surrounding lossOutstanding carePassionate pregnancy & infant loss supportEducation and awareness

Values • Committed to achieving our vision with integrity.• Dedicated to and passionate about making a difference.• Respecting grief is personal and unique.• Every family has the right to be offered support without judgement.• Equal acceptance and acknowledgement of every loss.

Bears Of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Inc. 9885618

Website www.bearsofhope.org.au

Postal address PO Box 352 Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

Contacts Grief Support:Kelly MerchantPh: 1300 11 HOPEEmail: support@bearsofhope.org.au

General Enquiries:Ph 1300 11 BEAREmail: contact@bearsofhope.org.au

Newsletter Editor:Rosalind AvellinoEmail: editor@bearsofhope.org.au

We are seeking bereaved mums to participatein this quick survey in order to help us improve our

much-needed free support services.

If you have a few moments to spare please click on the link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/bereavedmums

Contents: 1. Our Vision, Mission and Values Contact details 2. Welcome from our President 3. Messages of Love

Winter Garden Of Angels 4. “I Am Here” by Kerri-Anne Hinds

“It’s Not All Black & White” Feature Film Mother’s Day High Tea Wrap-up

5. “Does Time Heal Grief?” by Kelly Merchant 6. Givematcher Donation Program

“Butterfly” by Kerri-Anne Hinds 7. 7th Annual Benefit Ball 8. Beards Of Hope info 9. City2Surf entry details 10. Starting your own Fundraiser

Coin Donation Boxes Bears Of Hope Apparel

11. 2015-16 Entertainment Memberships12. Bears Of Hope Support Packages13. Resources: Book, CD and Jewellery Collection Social Media links 14. Support Groups, Play Groups & Skype Support15. Our generous Partners

Our Annual Benefit Ball tickets are selling and we really need your help to get enough prizes for our wonderful auctions and raffles - we can use almost anything!! The night itself is gearing up to be our biggest yet, with all of our Ambassadors attending and some incredible entertainment from some Dancing with the Stars professionals! Please consider bringing some friends and family along, the night is an incredible celebration of our babies and a really great night. If you can make it we’d love your support: imagine if each of our subscribers donated a $30 fuel voucher or supermarket gift card - we would be set!

There are many things happening at our House of Hope and the Bears Of Hope team are excited to share some of these with you soon. None of it is possible without your support so consider joining the fundraising team for the City2Surf or your local fun run, or grow a beard and become a part of the Beards Of Hope team - keep track of the growth on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/beardsofhope ….some of the fellas are hilarious! 

With hope,

Amanda Bowles President & Co-Founder

Welcome! Winter is often a time where our mental strength can be tested as our bodies just want to rug up and hibernate. It is really important to be kind to yourself; allow yourself time to snuggle up and rest but try having a plan that includes some outside time each day. It could be just having your morning coffee outside, a walk to the store instead of driving the car or making plans to meet a friend. I remember the struggle of not wanting to go out through the fear that I wouldn’t know exactly who I might see and that I may not be prepared for the questions I might face. It’s not always easy but it is important to re-engage with the world, even if only for small moments at a time.

I have been truly blessed with the opportunity to take some time away from Bears Of Hope for a month long family holiday. It was so incredible and I must take this opportunity to truly thank everyone of our team that made it possible. Without the incredible volunteers and are staff this would not have been possible and I will forever value what each of you contributed to allow this time for my family - thank you.

Our Mother’s Day events were absolutely beautiful and it was so wonderful to see so many attending with family members or friends, supporting them on what can be a really confronting day. I hope each of you found a place for love and peace as the day passed, knowing that those who surrounded you were filled with understanding and support for you.

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“If kisses were snowflakes, I’d send you a blizzard.”- Anonymous

Messages Of Love “To our little baby that will never be… From the moment the two pink lines changed our lives, our hearts were overflowing with love and joy. We shared smiles and visions of a future together; sleepless nights, endless cuddles and laughter to light up our lives. We let our hearts be carried away with talk of names, parenting styles, products to purchase - symbolic representations that we were becoming proud parents living in the future. I couldn’t resist a tiny pair of hand-knitted booties. You were becoming even more of a reality in my mind and my body. Our lives completely changed from my diet to your daddy’s endless eBay exploration to find a bargain for your little sanctuary. I had a nightmare that sent shivers through my body, but I chose to ignore it. We took the risk and told your Nannie, Grumps and future aunties, uncles and excited little cousin who was still a little unsure about what was really happening. The screams of joy, the cuddles that beamed excitement… I can still hear and see the happiness from that day.

To our little baby that will never be… It wasn’t long before the smiles turned to frowns, the screams turned to sobs and my heart broke beyond repair. I can no longer feel the happiness from that day. Instead, it became a distant memory that evokes pain. Three blood tests and three ultrasounds later, the hope has disappeared. While our anticipation and excitement grew, you didn’t. While we planned a future, you were becoming our past. But you weren’t ready to leave us just yet, hanging around in stubbornness, a quality I know you inherited from me.

To our little baby that will never be… It has been three weeks now that I have been staring into space, feeling numb. Three weeks of hysterical crying that comes and goes and hits me at the most unexpected times. Three weeks of hiding from the future and wishing I could change the past. Three weeks of avoiding all the people I love so I can hold your hand in my sleep and not burden others with my aching heart. I know this stabbing pain will not last forever. I know I will rebuild my life once again. But that’s hard to do when I’m struggling to breathe.

To our little baby that will never be… we gave you our hearts and were ready to bring you into this world. We wanted more than anything to shower you with love and watch you grow into a beautiful and amazing human being. We dreamt of celebrating endless Christmas’ and birthdays together as a family. To others, you weren’t yet a person, but to us, we’d already envisioned your first day on earth, your first word, your first steps, your first day of school and a lifetime of love. We wanted to provide you with everything you needed and teach you the important lessons of life - compassion, determination, humility and kindness. We wanted to hug you when you fell over and laugh with you during your discoveries. We had plans for your future, but mostly we had plans for who we would be as your proud and passionate parents.

To our little baby we will never meet… Now it’s time to say farewell to our dreams and farewell to something that will never be. I never thought it was possible to experience so much love, yet so much anger and pain. People keep telling us to think positively for the future. But how can you be positive when your dream has been destroyed? How can you live when a part of you is gone? I know it is time for you to let go and stop fighting. It is time for your existence to be a passing memory, forever etched as a hole in our hearts. We thank you for bringing us joy, even if it was stolen away. We thank you for wanting to be a part of our lives. To our little baby that will never be… we will always love you and you will always be a part of me. Love Mummy.”

Baby Montinola 27.11.14Always on our mind. Forever in our hearts xxx

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Our Winter Garden of Angels Lucinda Jasmine Ptolemy 1 Jun 2006Rocky Arthur Barker 2 Jun 2009Benjamin Jones Ferguson 2 Jun 2009Ruby Belle McKay 3 Jun 2010Russell Johnson 8 Jun 2007Ella Nicole Hurst 9 Jun 2008Jackson 11 Jun 2009Oliver James Jeney 14 Jun 2009Flynn Christopher Taylor 14 Jun 2012Jesse Jay Pace 16 Jun 2007Jamie Vic Pace 18 Jun 2008Angel Baby So 20 Jun 2013Evie Long 22 Jun 2011Evangeline Frances 22 Jun 2011Alexander James Sievers 24-6.09-25.6.09Nevaya Denise Halman 24 Jun 2010Ethan Alexander 25 Jun 2013Astrid Rose Bentley 26 Jun 2010Sahra Trainor 26 Jun 2009Nathaniel Alexander Grant 29 Jun 2009Lachlan Alexander Grant 29 Jun 2009Connor Micheal Rixon 30 Jun 2009Tess Elizabeth Gove 1 Jul 1994Declan Lee Miller 13 Jul 2011Dylan Whitelam 15 Jul 2008Diego Jose Nobile 16 Jul 2009Munchkin Stewart 22 Jul 2009Samuel Andrew Miscevich 26 Jul 2014Casper Pollard 29 Jul 2009Fergus Oisin Quigley 31 Jul 2007Bubs Stewart 31 Jul 2010Jack Thomas Singer 2 Aug 2009Aiden Kaldi 3 Aug 2014Boyd Stuart Thackeray 8 Aug 2010Joshua Clack 9 Aug 2009Jed Knox Cole 10 Aug 2005Annabelle Catalina So 10 Aug 2012Nicholas Peter Maglis 11 Aug 2007Ethan James Cambey 13 Aug 2008Isabella May Morrison 15 Aug 2013Leonard Kley 20 Aug 2011Ferdinand Kley 20 Aug 2011Eva Morris 23 Aug 2007Leonardo Canobie-Harris 22-23 Aug 2014Ashley Ptolemy 1 Aug 2004

If you would like to submit a Message Of Love for your baby, or have them listed in the seasonal Garden Of Angels, please email Rosalind: editor@bearsofhope.org.au

For the Garden Of Angels we will require your Angel’s name & date of birth/passing.

“I Am Here” Please mummy, don’t cry; do not be sad. Treasure the time however short we had. I miss you too, but I can feel your love. Even up here flying, like a little dove. I know it seems scary, and you feel all alone. No one can ever replace me, I was your own. Your sadness means I was loved, every day. Though you can’t see me, beside you I lay. It takes so much courage for you to go on. I know our time together wasn’t very long. But you now will be stronger for knowing me. It will be okay someday mummy, you will soon see. In the times that are hard, remember I am here. Never far from you watching, always very near. It isn’t fair we have to live so far away. But don’t worry; I hear everything that you say. I am with you with every step that you take. Sending reminders I love you, for your sake. I grew in your womb but then slipped away. Instead now forever, in your heart I will stay.

©Kerri-Anne Hinds 

Our recent Mother’s Day High Tea One of our very special events in our calendar is our Mother’sDay Event. Our Sydney event was a High Tea held at Lachlan’sOld Government House in Parramatta Park on Saturday 9th May.It is always a lovely afternoon with a total of 36 people in attendance, with the Mums came Dads, Grandparents, Aunts and friends as support. Each Mum received a special personalised book mark with their baby’s name.

Here is some lovely feedback from Mums who attended:

“Thank you so much for this wonderful afternoon and for beautifully honouring bereaved mums and their babies at Mother's Day.My friend and I really enjoyed this special high tea xx”

“Thankyou for honouring our babies in this way.”

“It was a lovely afternoon, and it was so nice to meet you all.”

I’d like to extend a big thank you to everyone who came along. We understand just how hard it can be to attend what can be an emotionally charged event. We truly hope the afternoon was gentle on you.

- Jen Thomas

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“It’s Not All Black And White” At our Benefit Ball last year we were so proud to launch this powerful and honest short film about pregnancy & infant loss.

“It's Not All Black And White” shares the stories of five families who have experienced the loss of their precious babies through miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal loss (loss in the 28 days of life).

It is an essential film for everyone to see - it provides education and insight for those who have not lost a child as well as support and acknowledgment for families who have.

Pregnancy & Infant Loss does not discriminate. It cares not about race, financial status or health. It effects so many families worldwide yet it is still considered taboo to talk about. Only by BREAKING THE SILENCE can we heal together as communities, nations and as one united human race. Only then can we give a voice to this devastating loss and find HOPE in the journey ahead.

In developed countries alone:• 1 IN 4 WOMEN WILL EXPERIENCE MISCARRIAGE• 2% OF FAMILIES WILL EXPERIENCE THE LOSS OF THEIR

CHILD THROUGH STILLBIRTH OR NEONATAL LOSS

Numbers are even higher in developing nations.

Pregnancy loss is common but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt.

You can watch this moving film here:http://vimeo.com/76042283

Does Time Heal Grief? In our Autumn edition I referred to a common question asked about grieving: “Is it normal to feel this way?” In this edition I want to address another often asked question: “Does time heal grief?”

I am sure it is a statement that many bereaved parents hear from well-meaning people, I know I have… but it always left me wanting to ask the question, what defines “enough time”? Is it two months, one year, two years or even five years? When should I start to “heal”, what does that word even mean and when should I start to worry that time is passing and my life feels like it hasn’t healed at all?

As a counsellor, when I am asked this question by newly bereaved parents my heart often becomes heavy, as I remember that pain and heartache that ruled my early days. There was that complete exhaustion of trying to exist in a world which seemed so foreign that time just passed by, oblivious to the length of minutes, hours and days. Each morning did not feel like I was on a road to feeling better, it just felt another step further away from the moment I spent with my child and hearing that “time would heal my grief” just made me more frustrated and confused about who I was and yet to become.

In April this year it was 8 years since my daughter died, and I stopped to think about time and what healing had brought to my bereavement. What I reflected on is that time had provided distance from the initial pain and a space to process thoughts but it did not remove my grieving for her absence nor the love I carried throughout my days for her. For me, as the time has passed, that intense feeling of my heart aching has changed - there has been a shift from feeling weighed down in grief to being able to carry the grief and having choices of what I wanted to feel and when I wanted to feel it. Over time, grief and I stopped fighting against each other, we had become entwined and with each step we took further into the future we understood each other better.

I have actually read that there are two types of time. The first one is the chronological time. It’s the clock ticking away, it involves everything we do to get activities of daily life going. It’s the planning, tasking, working, busying and completing routines. In Greek it is referred to as Chronos Time and it keeps us moving fast and busy, life becomes a blur as we try and accomplish tasks that we use to do before our child died. Grieving in this kind of time often leads to panic and concern as we strive to be “normal” based on the time that has passed. We haven’t really noticed what is happening to us, we

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are just trying to catch up to the time that is slipping past. We’re numb and we often feel vulnerable.

The second type of time is scared time, also known in Greek as Kairos Time. This is when we slow way down and start to notice what is actually happening inside and outside of ourselves. It is about paying attention to our needs, becoming more mindful and open to the way we are feeling and in tune with how we are reacting in our grief (no matter how difficult that feels). It is the ability to focus on what affects us and how we can manage those triggers. It is giving ourselves permission to take each day as it comes, rather than trying to race through and hope things just get better.

If we are to believe that time does heal, then perhaps this is the sort of time we are referring to – the Kairos Time - where we become more aware of who we are right now in this moment rather than being pulled away from ourselves by the ticking of the clock. Perhaps through referring to the Kairos Time as a form of healing, we can find support and guidance that enables us to talk about our loss, to find ways to manage our pain. Perhaps Kairos Time enables us to find ways to continue bringing our child into the future with us, rather than feeling like we are leaving them in the past.

Time healing is not about forgetting or letting go of our child: it is about adapting to the changes that come with grieving. Adaption is an individual event and hence comes in many forms. Sometimes it’s about stopping and resting. Sometimes it is about movement and ticking off the tasks that are put in front of us. Regardless of what you do, what time should be about is learning to be aware of your own needs on any given day and reacting to them.

Next time grief and the time past becomes a thought for you I hope you can stop and think about whether you are comparing time to Chronos or Kairos time.

Are you giving yourself the right type of time to manage your grief?

If you are concerned about how you are feeling or want to chat more about your grief then please contact me at support@bearsofhope.org.au

Kelly Merchant Bereavement Support Counsellor

Hills Swimming is known world wide for its world class Baby and Preschool Program, along with excellence in School Age and Squad Swimming. Hills Swimming promotes learning to swim in a fun, relaxed, happy environment.

Polyglot Group is a team of passionate and professional consultants who assist businesses to expand and optimise their local operations, providing them with pragmatic and cost-effective solutions in Human Resources and Payroll Outsourcing, Recruitment, Language and Business.

Do you own a business? Bears Of Hope are searching for socially-minded businesses to support our mission and match donations to our charity.

Givematcher is an innovative online donation matching marketplace. Every dollar your business allocates to Givematcher allows them to drive a higher level of donations for Bears Of Hope directly from the public. Every donation matched doubles your business' social impact and does so in a visible way.

Individual donors are thrilled because they are given a unique opportunity to leverage their donation, which drives them to donate more. Who are these donors who want the opportunity of having your business match their charitable donations? They are your existing and potential customers and your employees.

By matching donations to Bears Of Hope you get to build goodwill, be more visible in your community support, advance your CSR, raise brand awareness, increase social recognition, attract new customers, connect with customers on a deeper level, align with the causes your customers / staff care about, and inspire your staff, and enjoy all of this free of charge.

You get to select your monthly budget and can change this at any time.

Please visit Givematcher’s website for further information https://www.givematcher.com.au

Bears Of Hope’s page on Givematcher https://givematcher.com.au/bears-of-hope-pregnancy-infant-loss-support

THANK YOU to the following businesses who are already matching donations to Bears Of Hope…

“Butterfly” Did you see me mummy, the other day flying by? I was that beautiful little black and yellow butterfly. I saw that you were smiling, and breathing in the air. I am so happy mummy; you are okay even thoughI’m not there. I thought I heard you whisper, there goes my little Sam. And if I could mummy, I would have told you who I am. I am to watch from a distance; but never let you go. Just as you still hold me, I can feel it you know. I miss you my dear mummy, but flying is so fun! I know you see me with them too; as my siblings run. I will forever be your angel, who could only stay a while. But I will fly beside you, every step, and every mile.

I know even though you are now happy;That I am still loved so much. I hear every word you whisper,And feel you yearning for my touch. But mummy here is where I am needed,Watching you from the sky. Sending you hope and happiness,Sprinkled down from way up high. I am still with you dear mummyAnd I know you watch for me. Here and there I will flutter, Every now and then for you to see. That I am alright as well and I am forever a part of you. And when you whisper “I love you”; I will whisper back too.

©Kerri-Anne Hinds

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7TH ANNUAL BENEFIT BALLB E A R S O F H O P E P R E G N A N C Y & I N F A N T L O S S S U P P O R T

DAT E : SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST 2015 ✯ V E N U E : WATERVIEW IN BICENTENNIAL PARK

A D D R E S S : BICENTENNIAL DRIVE, SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK NSW (Entrance of f Australia Avenue)

T I M E : 6 :30PM-11:30PM ✯ D R E S S : FORMAL ✯ COS T : $130* PLUS BOOKING FEE.

Adults only event. Ticket includes canapes and drinks on arrival, beer, red, white & sparkling wine and soft drink, 3 course alternate serve meal, dancing, candle lighting, prizes & auctions. *Please note that ticket purchases are non-refundable.

B A L L E N Q U I R I E S & B O O K I N G S : BALL@BEARSOFHOPE.ORG.AUWe would love for you to donate a voucher, gift or service as a prize on the night. We rely heavily on these to make our major

fundraiser the most successful it can be to continue our support services. If you can help us by please get in touch with us.

I haven’t been before, what will it be like? Here is what some of our guests said about last year’s Ball…

“It was a truly amazing night. Thank you to all the volunteers and management for all your hard work on the night. Without you guys the night would not be as successful as it is. Thank you for allowing us to honour all our babies with our friends and family. “- M. Morrison

“Such an amazing uplifting and beautiful night. To be in a room full of love for each other and our beautiful babies. The volunteers did an amazing job. So very grateful to be a part of it. Will be on our calendar every year.”- R. Webb

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Help us out! Do you work for OR know of a business that may be able to donate to the big night?

We are currently seeking prizes for our auctions, raffles and lucky dips. We are also seeking samples to be included in our gift bags that each of our attendees will receive on the night. We are estimating between 350-400 guests for 2015.

To learn more about our sponsorship packages, please email ball@bearsofhope.net.au

The Bears of Hope Benefit Ball is a night to not just raise much needed funds for Bears of Hope, but also for bereaved parents, along with their friends and family, to celebrate and honour their babies.

Grab your family and friends and book a table at our 7th Annual Benefit Ball. We promise it will be a night you will never forget.

Since our first Benefit Ball in 2009, the night has grown dramatically. Over 6 years the Benefit Ball has raised over $120,000 for Bears of Hope.

Have you got what it takes to let it grow? We are about to launch our 2015 Beards of Hope Campaign (1 June-31 August) and are inviting you to raise funds and awareness to help support bereaved dads and their families. 

The statistics are alarming with a staggering 4,000 dads every year saying goodbye to their baby through stillbirth, neonatal and infant loss and many thousands more through miscarriage. That’s approximately 6000 kindergarten classes that will never start.  And these are the statistics for just one year.

The effects of experiencing the loss of a baby are still minimised resulting in little support and understanding for many Dads. The loss of a baby, no matter the gestational age, can be a lifelong heartbreak and one where a father should feel acknowledged and supported, never alone, overlooked or forgotten, in their grieving and healing journey. 

This is why Beards Of Hope is so important and hence why we are inviting you to sign up!

How can you get involved?

Not only do beards keep bodies warmer for longer periods during the colder months, closer bonds are also formed amongst mates. Here is what you need to do:

1. Create a free fundraising page via our website. If you’re inviting mates to join you, set up a team page. 2. Invite your mates to set up their own online fundraising page and join the team page.3. Put up some A4 Beards of Hope posters around your community to help us promote this event. We can mail these out to you.4. Start growing your beards on 1 June 20155. Ask for donations, hold fundraising events, etc.  Here are some fundraising tips that may help you6. Name your beards7. Enter into our two beard competitions, post your beard profiles and enter into our beard of the week8. Host a shaving off day for your beards on/after 31 August 2015

Where will the funds go? All funds raised will provide support for bereaved dads and their families.

For more information…Please visit the Beards of Hope website or call Toni on 0400 475 012.

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City2Surf Sponsorship Packages available Bears of Hope are seeking sponsorship for our City2Surf fundraising event this year.Please contact Toni via city2surf@bearsofhope.org.au or 0400 475 012.

$5000 (+gst) – This is exclusive to one corporate sponsor only • Company Logo on front of Bears Of Hope City2Surf 2015 T-shirts and singlets • Company logo and brief description advertised in Quarterly Newsletters• Company logo and brief description advertised on Bears Of Hope website• Facebook and Twitter advertisements to over 10,000 members• 2 tickets to Bears Of Hope Benefit Ball• Promotional material/product to go in Goody bags

$2500 (+gst) • Company logo and brief description advertised in Quarterly Newsletters• Company logo and brief description advertised on Bears Of Hope website• Facebook and Twitter advertisement to over 10,000 members• 2 tickets to Bears Of Hope Benefit Ball• Promotional material/product to go in Goody bags

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Bears Of Hope Apparel Our latest range of Apparel is available for purchase on thewebsite for those who are participating in fundraising events.

Unisex Adults T-Shirt $40Kid’s T-Shirt $35Women’s Running Singlet $40Men’s Running Singlet $40Embroidered Cap $40

T-shirts & running singlets can be personalised at no extra cost.

Order online: http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/a/378.html

Would you like to raise funds for Bears Of Hope?

Bears Of Hope rely heavily on the community to fundraise to be able to continue our valuable support services. We are so grateful and thankful for all the amazing support we have received over the past 8 years.

We currently have fundraising licences forNSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, TAS, NT and SA.

If you reside in WA and would like to hold a fundraiser for Bears Of Hope, please get in touch with us:fundraising@bearsofhope.org.au

ALL fundraising, whether it is collecting donations, holding a raffle or trivia night, MUST be registered with Bears Of Hope BEFORE you begin fundraising.

Register here to receive your Fundraising Authority Number: http://bearsofhopecommunityevent.gofundraise.com.au/cms/fundraisingapplication

Make a huge difference with small change! Are you looking to support Bears Of Hope but have limited time?

We invite you to place a coin box collection at a local shop and help raise funds for Bears Of Hope.Very easy to set up! Money collected once a month! Minimal paperwork to complete!

Register your fundraising interest viahttp://bearsofhopecommunityevent.gofundraise.com.au/cms/fundraisingapplication

Or email fundraising@bearsofhope.org.au for more information

The new 2015-16 Sydney Greater West Entertainment™ Memberships are available now and packed with thousands of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers.

This year you have the choice between the Entertainment™ Book Membership

and the new Entertainment™ Digital Membership!

From every Entertainment™ Membership we sell, 20% goes towards our fundraising!The more Entertainment™ Memberships we sell, the more we raise, so please tell your family and friends!

For just $65, you'll receive over $20,000 worth of valuable offers. Use just a few of these offers and you'll more than cover the cost of your Entertainment™ Membership.

Please remember to reference Bears of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Supportwhen registering your 2015-16 Entertainment™ Membership.

ORDER NOW!

Or contact Melinda Parker with enquiries minna77@outlook.com

Ph: 0405 411 011

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Bears Of Hope Support Packages Bears Of Hope have a vision to offer personal guided support to all families before they leave the hospital from a miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal or infant loss. We hope to soften the devastating fall for parents by wrapping them in our love and support right from the very beginning and provide them with the most crucial information they need to know before leaving the hospital without their baby.

The "Bears Of Hope Gift Package" Project for our Early Support Program was launched throughout Maternity Hospitals of Australia in January 2011. Both our “Early Support” and “Beyond the Bear” Programs are highly supported but we need your help to continue this very important service.

We currently provide three Support Packages to meet the more personal needs of families:

Hope Package - Early Miscarriage Loss SupportDonated to support families who experience an early pregnancy losswhere they don't have the opportunity to see and hold their baby.

Sophie Package - Mid to Full Term Loss Support

Donated to support families who experience the loss of their baby duringand after birth who are not transferred to Intensive care. This is where familieshave the opportunity to see and hold their baby which includes late miscarriage,stillbirth and loss shortly after birth.

Xavier Package - Neonatal or Infant Loss Support

Donated to support families who experience the loss of their babywhilst in Intensive Care, Special Care Nursery or Paediatric Intensive Care Units.

Our Support Packages include: • A Bear of Hope keepsake: Sophie, Xavier or Hope teddy bears. • “Creating a Lifetime Of Memories In Just One Moment" Booklet: a must have guide for parents to create cherished memories with a ‘no regrets’ outlook, and to immediately connect parents with our parent support network. • A Candle. • Seeds of Hope (Forget-Me-Not Flowers). • Journal / Notepad and Pen• A Photo Frame with sunset and poem "A Life So Brief, A Child So Small, You Had The Power To Touch Us All". • Guidance Brochure for family and friends on how to support parents. • Standard Brochure about Bears Of Hope.• Our Song “Live Among Angels” on CD.

Our items are of high quality and each item has been deliberately chosen by our executive committee of bereaved parents, to meet the very early and ongoing needs of parents.

How you can help • Set our program up in your local hospital - Please contact us for further information.• Donate a Bears Of Hope Package in honour of your baby to a hospital• Create an online fundraiser for family and friends to honour your baby and support another family. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Allied Health Services Our Gift Packages come at no cost to hospitals across Australia. We can deliver as many as you need for as long as you need. If you find that there is something else you would like us to provide your families within this bag, or to omit, please let us know so that we can better assist you in your role. Please email contact@bearsofhope.org.au for more information.

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A child's journey through the loss of their baby brother or sister can be filled with sadness, confusion, anger, and loneliness. It can also be filled with incredible love and gentle remembrance.

“I Have a Baby Sister in Heaven” acknowledges and honours the special connection a grieving, young girl continues to have with her sister who now lives in heaven.

Purchase your copy here: www.tonitattis.com

Bears Of Hope has created it’s own beautiful song “Live Among Angels” to help grieving parents.

Please visit our website to purchase the CD: www.bearsofhope.org.au/a/269.html

Or visit iTunes to sample and download the song:www.itunes.apple.com/au/album/live-among-angels-bears-hope/id406221882

“Live Among Angels” Music CD

Bears Of Hope is proud to partner with Aurea Designs to bring you a range of Bears Of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss memorial jewellery items. We have worked closely with Aurea Designs to put together this range which represents and embodies Bears of Hope and all that it entails.

Furthermore, the relationship with Aurea Designs is not simply one in which jewellery is made, it is one where Aurea Designs will donate 10% of every piece of jewellery purchased by a Bears of Hope member to the Bears of Hope cause.

You can view and purchase pieces from this stunning collection here:www.bearsofhope.bigcartel.com/products

“I Have a Baby Sister In Heaven” by Toni Tattis

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Keep up to date with events and fundraisers throughout the year by visiting theBears Of Hope Fundraising Portal:

www.bearsofhopefundraisingportal.gofundraise.com.au/cms/home

Jewellery Collection

Facebook Getting on Facebook has been a great way for us to create pregnancy and infant loss awareness, help raise our profile and maintain regular contact with the community. Keep up to date with our program by Liking our Page and please recruit your family and friends. We also have a range of private support groups on Facebook so that parents, friends and family have the opportunity to connect with each other for support. Parents are also able to connect with each other

through the Bears Of Hope they have received and donated, as well as to build friendships with others who have experienced baby loss. These groups are closed and secret so you will need to request to join.

Twitter You can now also follow us on Twitter to get the latest updates on our events, sponsors and fundraisers. We welcome

you to communicate with us, retweet our posts and help spread the word!

Support Groups Our parent-led groups are a wonderful avenue to make connections, develop friendships and feel supported throughout your grief journey. Some of our groups are also facilitated by a psychologist and are a free service to families.

Please note: there may be other bereaved mums that are in a subsequent pregnancy that attend these meetings. These are informal gatherings of bereaved parents – neither Bears Of Hope, it’s management nor it’s volunteers will be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of, or in any way related to the groups.

New South Wales

Hills DistrictVenue: Garden Room Level 1, Castle Grand,At: Cnr Castle & Pennant Streets, Castle HillTime: 7.00-9.00pm When: First Friday of the Month• Dinner can be arranged at an additional cost. Facilitated by our Psychologist, Sally Findley, who is available during the evening at no cost to you.

Northern BeachesVenue: Nelson Heather CentreAt: 2-6 Jackson Rd Warriewood

(carpark entry via Boondah Rd) Time: 7.30-9.30pmWhen: Last Wednesday of the Month• Facilitated by our Psychologist, Sally Findley, who is available during the evening at no cost to you.

SutherlandVenue: Stapleton Avenue Community Centre

Meeting Room 2 **We will also be running a 6-week Grief Workshop, please email to register your interest**At: Cnr Stapleton Road and Belmont StreetsTime: 7.30pm - 9.30pm When: First Tuesday of the Month• Light refreshments are provided.

Central CoastVenue: Meeting Space 2, Erina CentreAt: The Hive, Erina Fair Time: 7.00-10.00pm When: Third Friday of the Month

Queensland

BrisbaneVenue: Annerley HallAt: 8 Waldheim Street, Annerley Time: 7.30-9.30pm When: First Wednesday of the Month

• To RSVP for any of our scheduled Support Groups please email support@bearsofhope.org.au

• Casual support groups and Coffee Meetings are also available in the Central Coast, Newcastle, Singleton and Penrith. Please email support@bearsofhope.org.au if you are interested.

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Play Groups Bears Of Hope Playgroups are an opportunity for siblings to play and comfortably talk about their Angel brother or sister with other children that understand what it is like. We welcome any mums that are expecting a new baby after a loss as this is an opportunity to talk to others that have been through a pregnancy since their loss also.

SydneyVenue: KenthurstTime: 10:30am-1:30pmWhen: First Tuesday of each MonthRSVP: support@bearsofhope.org.au• Please bring a plate of something to share.

Central CoastTime & venue varies - please email support@bearsofhope.org.au for information.

Skype Support A Skype 10-week Grief Support Workshop is proposed for each Thursday evening from 7.30-8:30pm. Max 6 people to the group. Facilitated by a Counsellor.

Requires you to have Skype installed. Suitable for those that are approx.12months from the date of loss.

The next workshop has not yet been scheduled. Please email support@bearsofhope.org.au for more information or to register your interest. Available to Australian Residents only.

We need more Support Group Leaders! If you are interested in becoming a Support Group Leader, hosting a Play Group or a organising casual Coffee Meeting, please email support@bearsofhope.org.au or call 1300 11 HOPE.

Hanako Therapies herbal blends are formulated to support the mind, body and soul.

15c from every bottle sold worldwide will be donated to Bears of Hope.

http://www.hanakotherapies.com/pages/our-story

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Aurea Designs will donate 10% of every piece of jewellery purchased by a Bears of Hope member to the Bears of Hope cause. This includes all jewellery, from a

stunning custom made engagement ring, premium Raymond Weill watches through to remodelling of jewellery you already own. It also includes the Bears Of Hope Jewellery Range. Remember to mention Bears Of Hope when making your purchase: www.aureadesigns.com

Herbert Smith Freehills is an Australian-based international law firm. They back up their commitment to providing innovative, commercial legal advice to clients around the world, with the resources and expertise of around 1000 lawyers, including more than 200 partners across offices in Australia and South-East Asia.

Their support and advice is invaluable and their commitment to our program is incredible. They do all our work for Bears Of Hope pro-bono and we are incredibly grateful. See their website for more info: www.herbertsmithfreehills.com

Keep It Unique Keepsakes will donate 15% of your sale to Bears Of Hope upon mention of our name.www.keepitunique.com.au

Little Silver Prints will donate 15% to Bears Of Hope from all orders from the Bereavement/Remembrance range.www.littlesilverprints.com.au

www.acs-group.com.au

Our Generous Partners

www.bearsofhope.org.au