Current and Past Events
Current Events
Butterfly Remembrance Event
When: June 7th, 2026 / 3:00 PM
Where: The Beechwood Cemetery
OVERVIEW:
Release a Live Butterfly in memory of a loved one…
Each spring, Bereaved Families of Ottawa holds a special community memorial and fundraising event.
Can’t attend? Please consider making a donation to help someone who is not financially able to attend.
DETAILS:
The event begins with a memorial ceremony in the Sacred Space inside the Beechwood National Memorial Center. This part of the event features live music, with speakers on hand, and an opportunity for participants to speak the names of their loved ones who have died.
From the memorial ceremony, we move to the hill overlooking the garden and pond, to share a symbolic release of live painted lady butterflies. These beautiful butterflies are a symbol of hope and transformation, and the simultaneous release of them is magical.
We are looking for volunteers to help with registration and refreshments. Please let us know if you are interested.
You will receive a tax receipt for $25 of the ticket price of $45.
100% of the ticket price proceeds goes towards providing BFO’s grief support programs.
AGM Registration Link
When: June 24th, 2026 / 7:00 PM
Where: Virtual Event
Organizer: Bereaved Families of Ontario Ottawa-Region, (613) 567-4278, office@bfo-ottawa.org
OVERVIEW:
Join us over Zoom for a review of the 2025 accomplishments and financials and a look ahead to what’s next in 2026.
Candlelight Memorial Event, save the date.
When: November 29th, 2026 / Time TBD
Where: The Beechwood Cemetery
OVERVIEW:
This 34th annual Candlelight Remembrance Event is an afternoon for people to be supported by a circle of community to honour their grief and commemorate the people in their lives who have died.
Join us as we spend meaningful time together to cherish, remember and celebrate our person through ceremony, hope and inspiration.
DETAILS:
To Follow.
Past Events
November 30 / 2025 / 3:00 PM
Candlelight Remembrance Event
The 2025 Candlelight Remembrance Event will be held on November 30 at 3:00 to 4:30pm.
This 33rd annual Candlelight Remembrance Event is an afternoon for people to be supported by a circle of community to honour their grief and commemorate the people in their lives who have died.
Join us as we spend meaningful time together to cherish, remember and celebrate our person through ceremony, hope and inspiration.
The afternoon includes:
- Guest speaker – Caitlin Morrison, Sister and Executive Director of the Matthew Perry House
- Slideshow photo tribute of your person
- Storytelling & Musical accompaniment
- Candlelight remembrance ceremony
- Personalize a memory ornament to take home
- Reception and light refreshments to follow
July 12 / 2025 / 9:00 PM
Swing in Jack’s Memory
Each summer, the Jack Ferguson Foundation hosts a heartfelt golf tournament to honour the life of Jack Ferguson and raise funds for local causes.
His parents, Vallena and Hugh, organize this annual event to celebrate their son’s life and bring the community together for a meaningful cause.
June 8 / 2025 / 3:00 PM
Butterfly Memorial Event
Each spring, Bereaved Families of Ottawa holds a special community memorial and fundraising event.
The event begins with a memorial ceremony in the Sacred Space inside the Beechwood National Memorial Center. This part of the event features live music, with speakers on hand, and an opportunity for participants to speak the names of their loved ones who have died.
From the memorial ceremony, we move to the hill overlooking the garden and pond, to share a symbolic release of live painted lady butterflies. These beautiful butterflies are a symbol of hope and transformation, and the simultaneous release of them is magical.