Bernie's Buddies

Bernie's Buddies is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth in their grief journey following the loss of a loved one. Registered with the Canada Revenue Agency under the business number 804580173RR0001, it is recognized as a registered charity.

Purpose and Mission

The mission of Bernie's Buddies is to help children remember how to live fully after experiencing a death loss. They acknowledge that 1 in 5 children will encounter the death of someone close by the age of 18, underscoring the need for specialized grief support.

Unique Approach

Bernie's Buddies provides an innovative, integrated peer support model designed for kids aged 4 to 17. Their workshops incorporate unique activities such as:

• Therapy Dog Visits: Interacting with therapy dogs helps provide comfort and emotional support.
• Yoga and Relaxation Techniques: Offering movement and relaxation to help manage stress and emotions.
• Creative Grief Conversations: Facilitated discussions to express and navigate emotions creatively.

The organization emphasizes an individualized approach, recognizing that different children may experience grief in distinct ways and that a one-size-fits-all method is not effective.

Accessibility and Financial Support

Bernie's Buddies is committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to their services. Through the support of donors and volunteers, their programs are offered at no cost to participants. This commitment is especially important as many families facing loss also encounter financial challenges.

Operations

Bernie's Buddies operates entirely on a volunteer-run basis. This allows the organization to focus its resources directly on providing support services rather than administrative costs.

Background

The organization was founded in response to the need for accessible bereavement support for young people. It combines a founder's personal experiences with grief and their passion for helping others, alongside the therapeutic benefits provided by a special dog named Bernie.

Impact

By offering alternative grief resources and advocacy for greater awareness and access to bereavement support, Bernie's Buddies plays a vital role in supporting Calgary's youth during challenging times.