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Community Parent Groups

OPACC works with local community groups across the Province to build a network of local community-based Parent Support groups to ensure that families are supported once they are back home. 

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Learn how you can sponsor a local support group here!

OPACC-affiliated groups:

OPACC Cambridge

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  • Facilitator: Karen Destun

  • Tel: 226-972-9543

  • Email: kjdestun@gmail.com

  • Meeting dates: Last Thursday of the month from 7-9pm

  • Location: Cambridge (contact Karen for details)

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OPACC Kitchener-Waterloo

  • Facilitators: Lisa Skinner and Helen Robertson

  • Tel: 519-208-8647 (Lisa)

  • Email: lisaskinner66@gmail.com

  • Meeting dates (monthly): See poster

  • Meeting location: Knox Waterloo, Room 205/206

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OPACC Niagara

Currently only offering online support through Facebook group here

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OPACC Hamilton

Currently only offering online support through Facebook group here.

  • Facilitator: Emily Hammond

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OPACC London

Currently only offering online support through Facebook group here

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Don't see your location listed above? Interested in starting a group in your own community? Please contact us and we'll help you get started!

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What can OPACC provide new groups?

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  • Years of experience in helping to set up parent support groups, including Parent Facilitator training, mentor support, and advice

  • Regular promotion of your group to our thousands of member families through monthly e-blasts, social media postings, a listing on our website, and through our in-hospital Parent Liaison program

  • Establish a fund for your group so that any donations made will be credited to your group for use to support the group

  • Issue tax receipts for donations made to your OPACC group fund

  • Comfy Cases pillowcases

  • We can help your group members access all OPACC programs such as Parent Liaison, Hospital Parking, Gift Cards, Hospital Meal Vouchers (at SickKids only), Comfy Cases, Million Dollar Smiles, Kids Up Front event tickets, etc.

What can't OPACC provide?

We encourage facilitators to reach out to their local community who may be able to sponsor some of your costs, provide you with in-kind and monetary donations for the group, etc.

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  • Involvement in the day-to-day planning and running of your group

  • Printed materials

  • Running your website or social media page

  • Providing giveaways for your group

  • Communicating with group members on your behalf (aside from the monthly group update e-blasts)

  • Finding you a meeting venue

  • Running ads for your group

Other community parent support groups (not affiliated with OPACC):

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BrainWAVE Pediatric Support Program

  • About: A support program for families with a child (19 years of age or younger) with a brain tumour. Through the program, BrainWAVE offers you and your child/teen the opportunity to connect with other families in a similar situation and to obtain much-needed support, information and education.

  • Website: www.braintumour.ca/care-support/pediatric-family-support

  • Tel: 1-800-265-5106

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Cancer Chat Canada

Cancer Chat provides free and professionally-led online support groups for Canadians affected by cancer, including patients, survivors and family members. Cancer Chat online support groups are suitable for those who are unable to attend a professionally-led face to face support group because they live in a rural area or have a busy schedule of medical appointments or caregiving duties. Groups meet once a week for 90 minutes, for about 10 to 12 weeks, in a live "chat" room on the Internet. Learn more at www.cancerchat.desouzainstitute.com

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Candlelighters Simcoe Parents of Children with Cancer

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Childcan

Father and Children

Dads With a Purpose (DWAP)

  • Location: Ottawa, ON

  • About: Informal group of childhood cancer dads that meet to support each other

  • Meeting dates and times: Last Friday of every month at 6PM

  • Meeting location: Hometown Sports Grill, 1525 Bank St., Ottawa

  • Email: cuaulopezramirez@yahoo.com

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Hearth Place

  • Location: Oshawa, ON

  • Facilitators: Janette and Carolyn

  • Meeting date and time: Fourth Thursday of the month from 6:00pm-8:00pm

  • Meeting location: Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre, 86 Colborne Street West, Oshawa

  • Website: www.hearthplace.org/pediatric-cancer-program

  • Tel: 905 579-4833

  • Email: Janette@hearthplace.org (pre-registration is required)

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Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer

  • Location: Sudbury, ON

  • About: Mike Squarzolo is a parent of a cancer survivor and a member of the NOFCC Board of Directors. Mike is available to any family for a one on one discussion. Group support sessions are available if the need is there. Please contact Mike to set up an appointment or if you need support or advice at any time.

  • Website: www.nofcc.ca/support-resources/support-group

  • Tel: 705 929-4527

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