A charity that helps grieving families is setting up shop in New Westminster.
For the past seven years, the Camp Kerry Society has been running support programs for bereaved families, children and youth in the Vancouver area. Its mission is to provide counselling, support and education to families who are coping with grief and loss.
“We have weekly counselling for families called Circles of Strength. Families can get together and share their experiences with counsellors,” said Brandon Ekholm, administrative assistant. “Once a year we do a camp in Mission. Families can register and spend the weekend together.”
The society’s team of staff and volunteers lead special events, an online alumni network, year-round support programs and family and youth retreat programs, including grief counselling, sharing circles, yoga and relaxation massage, outdoor adventure activities, swimming, music therapy, art therapy and healing rituals.
“We offer a unique opportunity for families to meet others in similar circumstances; decreasing their sense of isolation and fostering a new sense of strength, hope and mutual understanding,” stated a press release from the society. “All of these services are provided at no cost to participants.”
To help fund its programs and ensure families can continues to access its services at no cost, the society is opening Kerry’s Boutique in Sapperton. Kerry’s Boutique will be selling new or gently used clothing for men and women, jewelry, accessories and collectibles donated by community members.
“The grand opening is July 6,” Ekholm said. “We had a soft opening on Sapperton Day. People seemed to really like it. They like what we do in the community too.”
Kerry’s Boutique is located at 480 East Columbia St. For more information about the society, go to www.campkerry.org.
