Message from Emma Needleman, Board Director (Term 2019-2023)

 Over the course of the last 4 years, I have been proud to be a member of the Board of Directors for Bridget’s Bunnies. When Theresa first asked me to join in 2019, I jumped at the opportunity to be part of such an incredible organization.

In April 2017, my son Jonah was stillborn at 27 weeks-gestation following a complicated pregnancy. Despite being a midwife myself at the time, I felt as though I didn’t know where to turn and lacked both resources and information on where to find support. This experience rattled my foundation and left me struggling in the months and years that followed. When I learned about the comfort kits Mat and Theresa were providing in honour of their own daughter, Bridget Bell, I was moved by their generosity of spirit and ability to take their own experience of pain and use it to help others.

Since that time, Bridget’s Bunnies has grown exponentially, increasing the number of comfort kits provided to families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss across our community and province. Bridget’s Bunnies has grown to include educational experiences for care providers, community events, and to forge partnerships with local Friendship Centres and hospitals across the region. Mat and Theresa work tirelessly to continue to provide inclusive comfort kits for those affected by loss and are working to ensure better care and support is available.

As a Board, we have weathered Zoom meetings, strategic planning meetings, attended professional development workshops, and have shared lots of laughter. I am so proud of Mat and Theresa and everyone on the Board for how far Bridget’s Bunnies has come. Although I am leaving my position on the Board to pursue further education, I will never be far from Bridget’s Bunnies.