The official newsletter of Bears Of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Summer Edition, December 2014

Contents: 1. Our Vision, Mission and Values Contact details 2. Welcome from our President 3. Summer Garden Of Angels “It’s Not All Black And White” Feature Film Givematcher for Businesses 4. Messages of Love 2015 Benefit Ball Ticket Special October 15 Remembrance Day Appeal results 5. Our newest Ambassador: Casey Barnes

Volunteer Positions Vacant 6. Annual Christmas Family Picnic Dick Smith Foods Charity Giveaway 7. Beards Of Hope stories & photos 8. Recent Fundraisers Start your own Fundraiser 9. Coin Donation Boxes Givematcher for donators 10. Christmas Appeal Changes to Online Fundraisers 11. 2014 Entertainment Memberships12. Bears Of Hope Packages13. Resources: Book, CD and Jewellery Collection Social Media links 14. Support Groups, Play Groups & Skype Support15. Our generous partners

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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 SupportPh: 1300 11 HOPEEmail: support@bearsofhope.org.au

General EnquiriesPh 1300 11 BEAREmail: contact@bearsofhope.org.au

Newsletter EditorRosalind AvellinoEmail: editor@bearsofhope.org.au

2014 Christmas Appealsee page 11 for details

I was lucky enough to fly to Melbourne for a filming of a recent episode. What a special night it was. A massive thank you to Lynne, Carmello and all the professional dancers and stars that made me feel like an old friend. It was an enormous honour to be chosen for the primetime exposure opportunity.

Christmas can be a challenging time for bereaved families. Whether this is your first or fifth Christmas since your loss, there can be times that we are left reflecting on how the day may have looked had our baby or babies had survived. It is natural to want to wish things were different and to imagine how the day could have been.

As with so many important dates, often the lead up and anxiety before hand can be worse that the actual day itself. Having plans, talking to those that are close to you, sharing your feelings and plans can really help to ease the worry that others may forget, or not include, your baby in the day the way you may be planning to. Be kind to yourself and remember that your partner may also have plans that differ from yours, so lots of talking and sharing and sometimes even compromise can assist the family in the emotions of the day.

Wishing you all weeks filled with love, peace and kindness.

With hope,

Amanda Bowles President & Co-Founder

Welcome! Another year almost comes to a close, yet there are so many milestones for so many people to overcome first.

I must begin by thanking our incredible management team and team of volunteers for another exceptional year of work. Without each of our volunteers we simply cannot grow and cannot continue to lead the way in bereavement support services.

We are excited that our incredible counsellor Kelly Merchant has accepted a permanent role with Bears Of Hope as our Bereavement Support Leader. As many of you know, Kelly has dedicated her time to Bears Of Hope and its families and we are thrilled to be able to have her employed and look forward to the incredible growth we have planned for our Beyond the Bear support over the coming months.

We are beyond thrilled and proud by the incredible results that Lynne achieved through her marvellous spirit and humour and her wonderful dancing feet. Through Lynne’s give-it-all-a-go attitude and your help through the voting lines, Lynne managed to make it all the way to the final 2! Dave was a worthy and deserving victor and we think that Lynne absolutely showed her style and class making it all the way into 2nd place. Thank you Lynne for the primetime exposure you provided Bears Of Hope. The funds that were raised through viewers votes will make such a difference in the lives of many, and the awareness raised about baby & infant loss is invaluable.

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Professional dancer Carmelo Pizzino and Home & Away’s Lynne McGrangerRunners-Up in Dancing With The Stars 2014

Our Summer Garden of Angels Squishy Alley 3 Dec 2009Kristen Elise Griffiths 4 Dec 2010Malaki Carpenter 10 Dec 2009Haralambos Harrison Mihos 11-12 Dec 2012Zoe Jane Piper 9 Dec 2012Haralambos Harrison Mihos 11-12 Dec 2012Phoenix Leslie Tickner 12 Dec 2013Lexi Grace 12 Dec 2010Sebastian Angelo Gallace 13 Dec 2012Sophie Cleo Raftery 14 Dec 2008Eryn Natalie Donnelly 15 Dec 2008Ethan James Morrison 18-19 Dec 2011Joshua Lachlan Morrison 18-19 Dec 2011Katie Anne Turner 19 Dec 2004Little Sprout Avellino 21 Dec 2012Edward James Vicary 22 Dec 2009Kaiah Savage Pollard 24 Dec 2011Angel Timmins 25 Dec 2001Jesse Tyler Norval 26 Dec 2004Thomas ‘Tommy’ Morrison 26 Dec 2006Jelly Bean Stewart 31 Dec 2009David Berry 31 Dec 2009Daniella Ptolemy 1 Dec 2009Riley Anthony & Harry David Cahill 2 Jan 2013Jacob Berry 2 Jan 2010Luke Bain 4 Jan 2012Aaron Michael Tolhurst 6-14 Jan 1997Sean Allan & Alex Martin Turner 7 Jan 2005Alejandria Purins 7 Jan 2011Jorja Grace Robertson 10-15 Jan 2003David Fafeita 11 Jan 1971Bailey Antoni Thomas 16 Jan 2009Jesse Buttons Bowles 19 Jan 2006Archie Lachlan Finch Whittaker 19 Jan 2013Harry James Martin 29 Jan 2012Xavier Christopher Meyer 31 Jan - 1 Feb 2011Noah Allan Ray 1 Feb 2009Zoe Ptolemy 1 Feb 2005Chelsea King-Dorney 3 Feb 2011Lillian Lovi 5 Feb 2010Jamie Griffen 8 Feb 2011Madison Hope Andronicus 12 Feb 2012Zoe Bain 15 feb 2014Milana Matilda Rose Bencetti 23 Feb 2009Aaliyah Jane Smith 28 Feb 2014

“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

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If you would like to have your Angel listed in the relevant quarterly newsletter, please email Rosalind editor@bearsofhope.org.au with your Angel’s name and date of birth.

Please note that we only publish names and dates for angels that fall into the months for that season's particular newsletter.

Visit www.givematcher.com.au

Messages of Love Jacko, You are our angel in heaven, our little brother and son. We love you with all our hearts and miss you every second of every day. You are in our dreams, and in our hearts. We love you Jack.From Daddy, Mummy, Toby and Hannah Flynn

~~~~~

For my angels Luke Bain (4.1.10) and Zoe Bain (15.2.14)

“When a baby is called home to Heaven, It is hard to understand... But God has a plan for that precious Angel,And, it is something grand...

One day you will meet again, and all the answerswill be revealed... When you understand Gods' plan, your heartwill soon be healed...

Until then, here is a Key for that special place in your heart...Keep it open for that Precious Baby that will always be a part...And remember Gods' Love for him, and let the healing start…”

Source: www.irisemembers.com

~~~~~

Jaxon David LambertYou may have left our sight but you will never leave our hearts. We lost our son but we’re glad you’re at peace. We love you so much. Love mummy and daddy

SPECIAL OFFERBears of Hope 7th Annual Benefit Ball

Saturday, 22nd August 2015 To celebrate Lynne McGranger on Dancing with the Stars,

we are offering early bird tickets for only $99*

*On Sale from now until 31/12/14 you can purchase your tickets for the 2015 Bears of Hope Benefit Ball for only $99 plus booking fee

(Price after promotion $130 per head)

B e a r s o f H o p e

7 t h A n n u a l B e n e f i t

B a l l

Book here: http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/a/385.html

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October 15 Remembrance Day Appeal Bears Of Hope held an online fundraising appeal to help spread awareness of October 15 Remembrance Day within the community, as well as raise funds for support packs to be donated to families. During the month of October, for every $25 raised through the appeal, a Bears of Hope package was donated. This year we had 10 fundraisers raise a combined $8691.19 (341 bears) through online fundraising and $4729.60 was raised through the one-off support package donation page totalling $13,420.79 in gross proceeds.

Thank you to all our fundraisers and donors who helped create a little more awareness of this special and important day amongst our community as well as assisting bereaved families with a thoughtful donation this October. This is deeply appreciated by Bears Of Hope.

Kind regards,

Toni Tattis Vice-President, Co-Founder and Fundraising Coordinator

Our Newest Ambassador: Casey Barnes We are honoured to welcome singer-songwriter Casey Barnes to the Bears Of Hope family as our newest ambassador, alongside former Olympic swimmer Jodie Henry and actress Rebecca George.

Casey’s music has made an impact around the world. He’s had hits in Europe, written songs in America, appeared in a top-rating TV show in Australia, and played alongside many international stars.

Casey recently released a new single ‘Waiting on the Day’, which touches on the sensitive subject of the loss of a child. Due for official release on the 24th October, this beautiful, heartfelt ballad reunites Barnes once again with his good friend and songwriting partner, Rick Price.

“It’s an absolute honour to be working alongside such an amazing organisation in Bears Of Hope. With my wife and I being touched by the loss of a baby on a personal level, I'm hoping our story and my song ‘Waiting On The Day' will provide support and comfort to any family who has experienced the loss of a child.

It affects so many Australian families and is often a subject matter that people feel they can’t talk about. I hope the track can offer other families hope through this time.

‘Waiting On The Day’ is a tribute to every parent who has endured the loss of a child, whether that be before or after birth, and the strength it takes to face life again. This song is also for our baby Grace who we lost two years ago and will forever be in our hearts.”

-Casey Barnes

Read more about Casey’s incredible career: http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/a/403.html

Check out his official website: http://www.caseybarnes.com.au

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Volunteer Positions Available We are seeking two enthusiastic and well-spoken people with a drive to get results.

The volunteer Appeals Co-ordinators will focus on Bears Of Hopes online appeals platforms, helping to drive increased donations and return entrants in fun runs.

Role Title: Fundraising appeals co-ordinatorLocation: Anywhere Skills: Administrative

Event PlanningFundraising

Time: 2+ days WeeklyDate: ASAPRequirements: National Police Check CertificateOther: Own computer required

Proficient in Excel & WordFundraising and/or event management experience is desirable.

Suitable for: Individual

The Appeals Co-ordinators will undertake the following tasks:1. Implement the project plan and fundraising tasks to achieve specific outcomes(including strategy development). 2. Liaise with potential and current fundraisers and event participants to help with fundraising plans and ideas to increase income. 3. Keep data spreadsheets as required for record keeping for each fundraising event. 4. Liaising with other volunteers requiring information on fundraisers target achievements. 5. Organise articles from fundraisers on their experiences for use in newsletters and website.

This role will report to the Fundraising Coordinator.

Apply online: http://volunteer.com.au/(X(1)S(bxxa3uzwvnlj12qcuxkbqzzu))/Opportunity/Details/57688/appeals-co-ordinators

The Dick Smith Foods Foundation is running a charity giveaway!

How does it work?

It’s very simple! Just take a photograph of any Dick Smith Foods product(s) in your pantry and email it to

charity@dicksmithfoods.com.autogether with your nomination for the charity you wish to

support.

You can also include your name and it will be added to the Dick Smith website so you know you have reached us and

your vote has been recorded.

The charities with the most votes will share in $1 million in donations from the Foundation.

www.dicksmithfoods.com.au

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Beards Of Hope The 2014 Beards Of Hope campaign started off with a bang with 70 guys signing up for our inaugural year!! Now that the winter season is behind us and the beards have come off we are so happy to announce that over $51,580.40 (gross figure) was raised during this campaign. Bears Of Hope will be putting the money towards supporting and connecting dads and their families with our Beyond The Bear support services.

Thank you to the Nor-West Jets for your incredible fundraising efforts and congratulations on receiving our Community Spirit award for 2014.

Bears of Hope encourages men right around Australia to grow a beard over the winter season and brave the shave in September, raising funds for and awareness of pregnancy and infant loss support. You may think 3 months will be hard to keep a beard, or even to have that beard shaved off after years of growth, but during the winter season approximately 1,800 parents will experience the stillbirth of their baby and thousands more will experience the loss of their baby through miscarriage or neonatal death here in Australia.

Bears Of Hope are calling on individuals, sporting clubs, businesses, bereaved Dads, their mates, and the wider community to get involved in our 2015 campaign. Here's your chance guys to make a real difference in the lives of parents who heartbreakingly live with the death of their child every single day.

Jump on board by visiting www.beardsofhope2015.gofundraise.com.au

Grow a beard, help speak up about baby loss and break the silence within your community!

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The Nor-West Jets guys, who were instrumental in launching the first ever Beards Of Hope campaign, raised a combined $10,326

Feeling inspired to get involved next year?Register now!

beardsofhope2015.gofundraise.com.au/

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Beards Of Hope: The Jets Story In this day and age where elite sportsmen are inking every spare piece of skin and growing beards as fashion statements, it was heartening to see a bunch of amateurs from Western Sydney grow a beard this winter and raise significant funds for charity. But it might not have been. Only a few years ago, AFL Sydney side Nor-West Jets received the standing eight count a few years ago when their playing roster was decimated when the Hercules squadron at the nearby Richmond RAAF base was retired. They managed to scrape together a side at the start of 2013 and got through the season on a band-aid & a prayer.

As the Nor-West Jets reached a crossroad in their season, drastic measures were taken by a select elite few, such as Michael Morgan, who decided to grow a beard and proceeded to produce Samson-like performances, almost single-handedly taking the guys to finals glory. After extensive research and meticulous planning, these few brave men embarked on an epic journey. As the length of their beards grew, so did the overall performance of the team. It all came down to a simple scientific equation: Performance = length of beard x density x 2.1This was reflected in the rise from the ashes of the team and almost leading them to the holy grail. Inspired by his spectacular transformation in form, Morgan’s teammates started growing their own beards during the off-season. After a successful trial period with no notable side effects, it was decided that this course of action must be taken on a club-wide level and at an earlier stage of the season. So begins the story of how a small band of remarkable young men began their journey towards immortality. 

The results were amazing. Not only was the club able to field a second side in 2014 but both teams finished the competition in third place, with a combined win-loss record of 29-6. Remarkably Morgan decided to tempt fate and shaved his beard resulting in an instantaneous form slump, culminating in his axing from the first grade squad. He re-started Beard 2.0 and immediately returned to his sparkling best.

But the story gets even better. Like most local clubs the Jets struggle to rub two cents together, but instead of running raffles and other events for new footys and end-of-season trips, the boys (Morgs, Domma, Elmo, Louie, Pins, Pirate, Gutho, Rafters, Woody, China, Jonty, Spesh & co) elected to put their new-found force to even greater good by teaming up with Bears Of Hope for the first ever Beards of Hope fundraiser. Their efforts inspired over 80 men across the country to grow a beard, including the Murwillumbah Mustangs, a rugby league side from the Northern Rivers. Last weekend the boys shaved off their beards to coincide with the end of “beard season” as well as celebrate International Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day (Oct 15). All up, these local footy legends raised a whopping $51,560 for Bears of Hope. As Richie Benaud would say (or perhaps it was Billy Birmingham) “Tremendous Effort That!”

If BoH-ites would like to donate or register for 2015 beard season they can go here: http://beardsofhope2015.gofundraise.com.au/or look up Beards of Hope on Facebook to see before and after pics of the tremendous beard-growing efforts. 

May our beards grow longer and our awareness stronger!

Adrian Raftery Bears Of Hope Treasurer and Beard Enthusiast

More Beards Of Hope Before & After Photos!

Ewan Stewart raised $2,927.60 in memory of

his son Austin

Miles Jones raised $3,277.43 in memory of

his son Leo

Liam Hannan raised $1,404.81

Daniel Wren raised $504 Ben Ellison-Kubecka raised $1,369.70 individually, with a team total of $6,149

in memory of Gabriel Reynolds

Brent Grant, Nick Coli, Alan Masterson, Leigh Grant, Peter Grant and Corey Grant raised a total of $6,312

in memory of Finnley Sage Grant

Team Finnley

Shaun Wichelo raised $1,455.30individually, with a team total

of $2,302 in memory ofBeau Wichelo

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Shaun Anderson, Daniel Cropley and Anthony Rosta raised a team total of $1,977.60

Thank you to all our amazingBeards Of Hope participants!

We hope to see you all getting involved again next year.

Recent Fundraiser for Cyrus and Darius Goodey Twelve months ago, we were blessed with twin boys, Cyrus and Darius. They marked the next generation in our family. They held all our hopes and dreams in their tiny little hands, big hearts and fighting spirits. Unfortunately, they came into the world at 26 weeks and left us immediately; yet long enough to remain in our hearts and minds forever. But when they left, they left a legacy of hope. Hope that it is indeed possible for my sister and my brother-in-law to become first time parents again; hope for my parents to have their first grandchild; and hope that it is possible for me to be an aunt. Twelve months later, we are again blessed ~ this time with a gorgeous girl.She was born on 15th October 2014 and her parents have named her Asha.It means hope. She burst through with all guns blazing and all the fighting spirither brothers had and showed us all how hope can turn into reality. All this was triggered by Bears of Hope, when a discrete care parcel was leftin my sister’s room soon after the twins’ departure; and our family and friendsin turn responded by raising money for Bears of Hope.  We dared to hopeand never gave up. -Shehernaz Bilimoria $1,086 was raised through GoFundraise:http://inhonour.gofundraise.com.au/page/BilimoriaB providing 24 support packs inmemory of Cyrus and Darius. Thank you to Sheheranaz, your family and supporters.

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 for NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, TAS, NT and SA. We apologise to all WA residents who wish to fundraise for us as we are currently unable to accept any fundraising until we attain our licence. However, you are most welcome to make donations through our website. We hope to have our WA licence in the near future.

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

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Running for Riley and Harry Cahill When our beautiful twin boys, Riley and Harry, were stillborn on 2 January 2013, I started running as a way to clear my head and help cope with the devastating loss. I competed in the City2Surf raising funds for Bears of Hope in August that year and in October completed a half marathon. I was enjoying running and so at the beginning of 2014 I set myself the goal of completing my first marathon, and raising funds for Bears of Hope seemed like a perfect way to help all the other bereaved parents that are affected by this devastating loss. Training was hard, but after months of preparation the big day finally arrived. I felt so proud standing at the starting line wearing my Bears of Hope singlet with my son’s names on the back. Even the rain wouldn’t dampen my spirits! I had a clear race plan. I maintained a level pace and settled into the race during the first 5km. There were pace runners running with flags with finish times and for the next 20km I managed to stay with the 3hr 45min group. I felt really comfortable and thought that finishing in 3hrs 45mins would be perfect. However, at about the 28km mark I hit the ‘wall’ and started to drop back. There were a few times that I felt like quitting, but I thought of Riley and Harry and found the energy to keep going. My race plan had now changed and I said to myself, the goal is now to finish. The cheering crowds that lined the course helped me along and then at the 40km mark, the 4hr pace runners had caught up with me. They had their own words of encouragement and one of them said, ‘just 10 more minutes of your life and then it’s all over!’ That was it. Ten more minutes. With every muscle aching I dug deep and finished the race spurred on by the crowds, the pace runners and most importantly, by Riley and Harry. And so, with 4hrs on the clock, I crossed the finish line and raised my arms.I had done it! -Ryan Cahill

Ryan Cahill raised $609 in memory of his sonsRiley and Harry

Have your donation matched today! All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Bears Of Hope have partnered with Givematcher who deliver a unique service that allows you to have your charitable donation matched by

companies and philanthropists of your choice. Which means you get to give more to us than you actually donate!

Help drive more donations to Bears Of Hope to assist us in supporting

https://www.givematcher.com.au/campaigns/bears-of-hope-pregnancy-infant-loss-support-inc/donations/new4

Coin Donation Boxes Coin boxes are an easy fundraising option for you. We have these available to be placed in your workplace, at a

local business or to include as part of your fundraising event.

If you are interested in organising a coin box fundraiser, please register through the link below to get your Fundraising Authority Number:

http://bearsofhopecommunityevent.gofundraise.com.au/cms/fundraisingapplication

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Melbourne Marathon Fundraiser My story is that I have had running a marathon on my bucket list to do before I turned 50 for the last 3 years. 3 surgeries, torn ligaments and shin splints have been a hurdle in crossing that off my list.

Well, at the beginning of this year my step daughter lost her little bundle of joy which put my issues into perspective. I decided that this was the year no matter what and that this cause was so worthy of my efforts to fundraise. So the journey began. 

On the 12th of October I realised my efforts and ran the Melbourne marathon. Unfortunately I did not reach my fundraising target but I know the amount I did raise will make a difference. Regards,Shauna Guerin

-Shauna raised $611 in memory of Zahli. Thank you for you effort and perseverance.

Remember this December

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This Christmas, we would like to acknowledge and remember the precious babies who now live in the hearts of those who love and miss them. We invite you to make a donation of your own precious baby or on behalf of a friend in honour of their baby this Christmas. You can leave a message of love, of support or you can simply write your baby’s beautiful name. For donations of $20 or more to this appeal, Bears Of Hope will send you a  Remembrance Christmas Tree Tag to hang as a thank you.  Alternatively, set up your own fundraising page in memory of a baby you hold close to your heart, receiving donations and messages from family and friends in memory of your little one this Christmas. Make your donation via this donation platform only  http://rememberthisdecember.gofundraise.com.au

The new 2014/2015 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 2014/2015 Entertainment™ Membership.

ORDER NOW!

Or contact Amanda Bowles with enquiries amanda@bearsofhope.org.au

Ph: 0439 643 203

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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.

Sydney

Hills DistrictVenue: Garden Room Level 1, Castle Grand,At: Cnr Castle & Pennant Streets, Castle HillTime: 7.00-9.00pm When: First Friday of the MonthRSVP: amanda@bearsofhope.org.au• 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 MonthRSVP: amanda@bearsofhope.org.au• 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 MonthRSVP: support@bearsofhope.org.au or call 1300 11 HOPE• Morning Tea is provided.

Regional NSW

Central CoastVenue: Meeting Space 2, Erina CentreAt: The Hive, Erina Fair Time: 7.00-10.00pm When: Third Friday of the MonthRSVP: emmalenesutherland@yahoo.com.au

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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.

More information about Support Groups Central CoastPlease call Emma Sutherland on 0412 563 446 for more information.

NewcastlePlease email support@bearsofhope.org.au if you are interested in coordinating this group.

SingletonPlease email toni@bearsofhope.org.au who is available to meet with parents over a coffee

PenrithPlease email support@bearsofhope.org.au for information on the support group for this area.

Support Leaders needed! 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.

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: amanda@bearsofhope.org.au• Please bring a plate of something to share

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

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“Little Big Love” is a book containing an anthology of stories by women and men affected by miscarriage, aged between 17-78 and challenges the medical profession to update its practices and procedures so as to offer more effective support to women who have been through the experience.

10% of net sales will be donated to Bears Of Hope. https://www.facebook.com/Littlebiglove.com.auor www.littlebiglove.com.au for more information.

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

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

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