Our Mission

Bringing the community together to create a safe and supportive network of resources for families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss.

While we know the loss of a child, whether it be during pregnancy or as an infant, is one that society has a difficult time talking about, we want you to know that we are here for you!

Through the joint effort of a committee consisting of local community members the PILO NSM program was created. A common consensus from those with lived experience was that there just wasn’t enough peer to peer support available to those who had experienced the loss of a child. Our goal is to change that. The PILO NSM program will create a safe and supportive network for families and will help to remove the stigma that surrounds pregnancy and infant loss.

This specialized program is designed to offer practical and emotional support through Home Hospice Association’s ‘Our Babies, Our Grief’ six week progressive healing peer support program facilitated by our professionally trained volunteers.

The key message is it is important to us to let you know that you are not alone, your child is important and we are here to help you.

We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, can contribute fully, and have equal opportunities. To register with PILO NSM please complete the Referral Form or contact our team member Louise Brazier, Bereavement Services Coordinator, at louise@hospiceorillia.ca or call 705-325-0505 Ext. 209.

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About our Volunteers

The PILO NSM volunteers are screened in accordance with the standards of Hospice Palliative Care Ontario.

Our volunteers come with a wide range of personal and professional lived experience surrounding Pregnancy and Infant Loss. If you feel you would be able to assist another who has experienced this type of loss we would love to hear from you.

For more information on how you can become a volunteer please contact our team member Louise Brazier, Bereavement Services Coordinator, louise@hospiceorillia.ca or call 705-325-0505 Ext. 209.

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Upcoming Events

Candles of Remembrance 2023 - Save the Date

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Loved Ones Name

Will you be attending the in person ceremony on November 30th?

If yes, will you be bringing a guest?
YesNo

Would you like a special message added to the Memorial Wall which will be displayed on the Hospice Orillia website until November 2024?

Is your memorial for a baby or pregnancy?

If you would like a photo of your loved one to be included on the memorial wall, please attach a photo. This photo may include your loved one (no group photos please). You can attach up to 1MB jpg, eps, png or pdf file. Should you have any difficulties attaching your photo, please email amanda@hospiceorillia.ca for assistance.

By checking below:

You provide Hospice Orillia permission to share your loved ones name and/or photo during the Candles Remembrance ceremony and on the Hospice Orillia website, and the Hospice Orillia Facebook page.

Would you like to receive a copy of the Hospice Orillia monthly newsletter sent directly to your email address?YesNo

Thank you!

A special heartfelt thank you goes out to our committee members and community partners who have given so much of themselves to ensure the successful launch of this crucial program.

“Volunteers are the heart of our community, they give of themselves like no other. To open your heart to those who are hurting for no other reason than to help them is a true testament to the caliber of our volunteers.” ~ Amanda

PILO NSM Committee Members

Allie Mason
Amy Muhr
Angie Limmer
Caroline Laidlaw
Christa Folz
Christine Hart
Colleen Ladouceur
Dave Holmes
Jaime Charlebois
Lisa Phillips
Jessica Gladwish
Mallory Holmes
Rae-Ann Wilkins
Shelly McMurray
Sue Morris
Tasha Robitaille

Community Partners

Please note that all items related to this program, including but not limited to language and logos, are the intellectual property of the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network. Prior to reprinting, reproducing or posting these items on your website please complete the Request to Reprint, Reproduce or Post here.

Grief is a normal reaction to the loss of a loved one. It can also be a reaction to the loss of relationships, physical ability, opportunities or future hopes and dreams.

Bereavement is the state of having suffered the loss of a loved one. It is the time after a loss during which grief is experienced and mourning occurs.

Mourning is the external expression of grief. It includes rituals that mark someone’s death, such as funerals, wakes or memorial services. Mourning is strongly influenced by a person’s spiritual and cultural beliefs and practices.

Hospice Orillia is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination. All individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and have equal opportunities. Our programs, services and opportunities will be accessible regardless of age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, receipt of public assistance, record of offences, sex, or sexual orientation. We always provide a positive space to our clients, volunteers, and staff.