Can't see this email? View in your browser.

28 May 2026

Dear Supporter,

Thank you for staying connected with Chilliwack Hospice Society by continuing to subscribe to our newsletter!

Highlights in this email update include,

• Father's Day memorial events for adults and pre-teens on Friday, June 19;
• Pet Death Grief Support Group begins Monday, June 22
• Teen Grief Adventure Group begins Tuesday, July 7;
• Advance Care Planning Workshop on July 21 and 23;
• And Caring for the Caregiver Support Circle will continue meeting on the last Monday of the month through the summer.

Information on all these programs and more can be found on our website and social media.

We thank you for your continued support of Chilliwack Hospice Society. Please consider sharing our news, programs, and events with those in your personal and professional networks; further amplifying our message and increasing awareness of our cause across the community.

With gratitude,

Sue Knott

Executive Director

Chilliwack Hospice Society & Thrifty Boutique

sue@chilliwackhospice.org

Father's Day Memorial

Friday, June 19 | 1–3:00 p.m. | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

A time of connection and support for those who are grieving and remembering a father, father-figure, or child this Father’s Day, join Chilliwack Hospice Society for coffee on Friday, June 19, as we share memories and stories of our loved ones who have died. Connect with others who are grieving and find comfort in community. Please bring a photo or memento that reminds you of your father, father-figure, or child.

Space is limited. Please pre-register by June 12 for our Father's Day Memorial by contacting Deanna Fedorkew, Community Education Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email deanna@chilliwackhospice.org.

Father's Day Memorial Circle for Pre-teens

Friday, June 19 | 3:30–5 p.m. | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

Our Father’s Day Memorial Circle is a supportive Father’s Day memorial event for pre-teens ages 8 to 14 who are grieving the death of their dad or father-figure. Through snacks, crafts, and gentle conversation, participants will have space to remember, connect, and honour someone special.

Hosted by Chilliwack Hospice Society, this gathering will offer a safe space for pre-teens to remember their father or father-figure, connect with others who may understand, and take part in meaningful activities. Participants will be invited to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable.

Intake is required before attending. For more information or to register for our Father's Day Memorial Circle, please contact Karlee Gross, BA (Hons.), Child & Youth Program Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email karlee@chilliwackhospice.org.

Coffee and Compassion Drop-in Grief Support Circle

Mondays — Jun. 15, Jul. 20, Aug. 17 | 1–3:00 p.m. | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

Enjoy a cup of coffee and experience the compassion of our drop-in grief support circle. Facilitated once monthly on Monday afternoons starting at 1:00 p.m. by Yuliia Kovalova, our Coffee and Compassion Circle offers the opportunity to connect with others who are grieving the death of a loved one, to improve your understanding of the grief process, to ask unanswered questions in a safe, supportive space, and to learn about the free programs and services offered by Chilliwack Hospice Society.

For more information about our grief and bereavement programs, please contact Yuliia Kovalova, MA, RCC, Bereavement Services Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email yuliia@chilliwackhospice.org.

Caring for the Caregiver Support Circle

Mondays — Jun. 29, Jul. 27, Aug. 31 | 1–3:00 p.m. | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

Chilliwack Hospice Society hosts a monthly Caring for the Caregiver Support Circle the last Monday of the month from 1–3:00 p.m. Caring for a loved one who is dying is a great honour and privilege. The time and effort required can also cause stress and fatigue. You may begin to feel anticipatory grief for your dying person as their condition deteriorates.

Facilitated by Palliative Services Manager Candice Quesnel with volunteer Colleen Johnson, friends and family, as well as healthcare professionals, are welcome to join a group of fellow caregivers who understand what you’re going through.

• A Safe Space: Express and process your feelings in a non-judgmental environment
• Connection: Build meaningful relationships with others who understand your journey
• Support: Receive emotional and practical support tailored to your needs
• Resources: Access valuable information and tools to aid in your caregiving role
• Empowerment: Gain confidence and skills to better navigate the challenges of caregiving
• Camaraderie: Find solidarity and mutual encouragement among fellow caregivers
• Friendship: Develop lasting friendships with others who share your experiences and concerns

Trained Chilliwack Hospice Society client and patient volunteers are available upon request to provide companionship for your loved one while you attend the caregiver support group. 

Pre-registration is required. For more information or to join the Caring for the Caregiver Support Circle, please contact Candice Quesnel, BSW, RSW, Palliative Services Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email candice@chilliwackhospice.org.

Teen Grief Adventure Group

Meets first Tuesday of the month | Starting at 3:30 p.m. | Various locations

Do something good for your soul with other teens who get it. Get outside, try something new, and make space for grief, joy, and connection.

Chilliwack Hospice Society’s Teen Grief Adventure Group offers a supportive space for teens ages 14 to 18 who are grieving the death of someone significant in their lives. Meeting on the first Tuesday of each month starting at 3:30 p.m., this group gives teens an opportunity to connect with others who understand what it can feel like to experience grief and loss as a teen. Each gathering will include a different outdoor or community-based activity designed to support physical, mental, and emotional wellness, while creating space for conversation, connection, and shared experiences.

Pre-registration is required. For more information or to join our Teen Grief Adventure Group, please contact Kaylee Lovesy, BSW, RSW, Child & Youth Program Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email kaylee@chilliwackhospice.org.

Pre-teen Grief Support Group

Thursdays — Aug. 13–Sep. 3 | 3–5:00 p.m. | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

Chilliwack Hospice Society’s Pre-teen Grief Support Group offers a safe and supportive space for pre-teens ages 8 to 14 to learn about grief and loss, express their emotions, and share their stories with others who get it.

This weekly group gives pre-teens an opportunity to:

• Connect with other pre-teens in our community who are grieving;
• Take part in meaningful activities, crafts and conversations;
• Share as much or as little as feels comfortable, and
• Create space for memories, connection and support.

The Pre-teen Grief Support Group meets once weekly on Thursdays from August 13 to September 3, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., at Chilliwack Hospice Society, located at 7112 Vedder Road.

Pre-registration is required. For more information or to join our Pre-teen Grief Support Group, please contact Karlee Gross, BA (Hons.), Child & Youth Program Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email karlee@chilliwackhospice.org.

Pet Death Grief Support Group

Mondays — Jun. 22–Jul. 13 | 6–8:00 p.m. | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

Grief following the death of a beloved pet or companion animal can be profound and deeply personal. Many people grieve quietly, without the understanding or support of family, friends or community. Sometimes, others may not recognize the death of a pet as a significant loss, leaving those who are grieving to feel isolated or dismissed.

This group offers a safe and caring space to share your story, express your feelings, and connect with others who understand the unique bond between people and their animals. Together, we honour the love and companionship our pets brought into our lives.

Facilitated by Karlee Gross, the group for adults 18+ will meet Monday evenings once weekly for four consecutive weeks, starting June 22, 2026, from 6–8:00 p.m.

Pre-registration is required. For more information or to join the Pet Death Grief Support Group, please contact Karlee Gross, BA (Hons.), at (604) 795-4660 or email karlee@chilliwackhospice.org.

First Step Grief Support Group

Thursdays — Sept. 24–Nov. 12 | 6–8:00 p.m. | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

An eight-week program offering a safe, supportive space for adults grieving the death of a loved one. Participants connect with others to share experiences, gain mutual support, and learn insights as they navigate their journey through grief and into renewal. First Step Grief Support Group is co-facilitated by Yuliia Kovalova, Bereavement Services Manager, with volunteer Vicki Robinson. Meets once weekly on Thursday evenings, Sept. 24–Nov. 12, from 6–8:00 p.m.

Pre-registration is required. For more information or to join First Step Grief Support Group, please contact Yuliia Kovalova, MA, RCC, Bereavement Services Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email yuliia@chilliwackhospice.org.

Second Step Grief Peer Support Group

First and third Thursday of the month | 1–3:00 p.m. | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road) and local restaurants

Peer-led grief support offering connection, conversation, and mutual care. A welcoming space for grievers to share experiences, build relationships, and walk alongside one another.

Second Step Grief Peer Support Group offers ongoing, peer-led support for people who are grieving the death of a loved one, whether the death was recent or many years ago. Led by trained Chilliwack Hospice Society volunteers Lee White and Mary Petrescu, the group provides a welcoming space for participants to share experiences, listen and contribute to facilitated discussions, and walk alongside others on their grief journey.

Second Step is grounded in connection, understanding, and mutual support. The group meets twice a month: on the first Thursday from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at Chilliwack Hospice Society for a regular group meeting, and on the third Thursday at 12:00 p.m. for lunch at a local restaurant chosen by the group. The meal is at the participants’ own cost. Participants do not need to have attended another Hospice Society group before joining; for some, Second Step may be the right pace and atmosphere for support.

For more information or to join Second Step Grief Support Group, please contact Deanna Fedorkew, Community Education Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email deanna@chilliwackhospice.org.

Men's Cooking Group

Saturdays — May 30 | 5–7:00 p.m. | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

Grieving the death of someone close can feel isolating — but you’re not alone. Join us on the last Saturday of each month from 5–7:00 p.m. for a casual, confidential evening of cooking and connection. This group is for men who want to share a meal and socialize with others who understand what it’s like to live with grief.

Pre-registration is required. For more information or to join the Men's Cooking Group, please contact Lucy Fraser, MSW, Director of Programs, at (604) 795-4660 or email lucy@chilliwackhospice.org.

Supportive Walking Group

Every Thursday | 9:30–11:00 a.m. | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

Walking alongside those who are grieving, caregivers of a dying person, and those living with a life-limiting illness on their journey, rain or shine, our Supportive Walking Group meets Thursday mornings, starting at 9:30 a.m. A weekly opportunity to connect through a gentle walk around Sardis Park, followed by coffee or tea and conversation in the Serenity Garden Room at Chilliwack Hospice Society, this program fosters healing and community in a relaxed setting.

Meet at Chilliwack Hospice Society (parking lot) — 7112 Vedder Road

Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.

Pre-registration is required. For more information or to join our Supportive Walking Group, please contact Deanna Fedorkew, Community Education Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email deanna@chilliwackhospice.org.

Relaxation Program

Mondays & Wednesdays, by appointment | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

Volunteers provide weekly treatments featuring energy-based modalities such as Healing Touch and Reiki to promote calmness and healing. These sessions, available at Chilliwack Hospice Society or by request in Cascade Hospice Residence, support palliative and bereaved individuals in reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.

To learn more about our Relaxation Program or to book an appointment, please contact Lucy Fraser, MSW, Director of Programs, at (604) 795-4660 or email lucy@chilliwackhospice.org.

Advance Care Planning Workshop

July 21 & 23 | 1–3:00 p.m. | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

Join Chilliwack Hospice Society for a free, two-part workshop designed to guide you in creating a comprehensive end-of-life care plan for yourself or with your parent(s).

Learn how to develop a personalized advance care plan that reflects your beliefs, values, and wishes. Topics include:

• Temporary Substitute Decision Maker
• Representation Agreement
• Advance Directive

This interactive workshop empowers participants with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about end-of-life care. We look forward to helping you plan for peace of mind.

Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register for this educational workshop, please contact Deanna Fedorkew, Community Education Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email deanna@chilliwackhospice.org.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.