YORK—For families navigating the heartbreak of pre-natal, infant, or child loss, words often fall short, which is why a simple box filled with care, faith, and understanding has become a source of comfort for hundreds of families – all thanks to the work of Haldimand-Norfolk Hope Box.
Giana Houwer started the local chapter in April 2018.
“My family experienced a child loss in August 2017, and we were given a Hope Box from a friend who attended church with a member of the Oxford-Brant Hope Box chapter,” recalled Houwer.
After experiencing that act of kindness, Houwer decided to start Haldimand-Norfolk Hope Box (HNHB) as a ministry of her church, York Maranatha Christian Reformed Church.
“Our chapter is now one of over 40 across Canada who work together to provide Hope Boxes to families around the world,” said Houwer.
Since kicking things off, the local chapter has handed out over 450 Hope Boxes across southwestern Ontario, the United States, and as far away as Asia.
“The chapter is located in Haldimand, but we commonly fill requests from Niagara Falls to Toronto, and north up to Barrie. We provide Hope Boxes to many organizations to have on hand to give out, including some local churches, pregnancy centres, and hospitals. Our goal is to ensure that every family that experiences a loss is able to receive a Hope Box,” said Houwer.
She described a Hope Box as a grief support tool given to families who have experienced pre-natal, infant, or child loss.
“These free, faith-based boxes are a practical and tangible outreach to our community and a way to bring hope and care to families during an incredibly difficult time,” said Houwer.
The boxes themselves are filled with resources and comfort items that may prove helpful to a family on their grief journey. The first item seen when opening a Hope Box is a card written to the family, from another mom who has experienced a loss.
“We are often told that this is one of the most important items in the Hope Box, as it makes families feel like they are not alone in this journey,” said Houwer.
Comfort items include a journal, pen, candle, tissues, flower seeds, tea, a hand crocheted/knitted blanket, and small tokens as items of remembrance. They also contain a Bible with a bookmark listing verses of hope, a grief devotional, and several grief books, including one written specifically for a male partner navigating child loss.
Houwer feels blessed to have support from her own church, along with surrounding churches, local organizations, and members of the public standing behind her in her efforts.
“Hope Boxes are given out free of charge, which also includes shipping if the Hope Box cannot be dropped off in person,” she explained, noting that with shipping, each box costs approximately $100 to produce. “We are able to provide them for free due to the overwhelming generosity of members of our church and outside donations.”
Also helping lower the cost are the many handmade items generously donated by Houwer’s team of supporters, including crocheted/knitted blankets and hearts.
Once or twice a year, those supporters assemble as a large group to take part in Hope Box Packing Parties, hosted at York Maranatha and praised by Houwer as a night of “fellowship, socializing, and prayers over the boxes assembled. They also involve some delicious treats!”
Information about upcoming Hope Box Packing Parties can be found on the group’s Facebook page, Haldimand-Norfolk Hope Box.
Houwer is buoyed by the many emails and messages received from Hope Box recipients, who often note the package arrived at just the right time when it was needed most.
“Some families open them all at once and go through all the items, while others open them slowly, when able, and go back to it over time when the feelings of grief resurface,” she shared. “Our most important feedback response is when families who have received a Hope Box request one for another family member, friend, coworker, acquaintance, etc. Those requests speak volumes, as it highlights the comfort those families received and how they want to provide that to others.”
Houwer shared some advice on how to help loved ones experiencing such a traumatic loss.
“Pregnancy, infant, and child loss is such a difficult journey to navigate. It really is hard to know what to say or do during that time and the way an individual or family processes it can be so different,” she said.
“I believe the best way to show your love and support is to acknowledge their loss, and this can simply be done by saying, ‘I’m so sorry for what you are going through.’”
She noted how hard it can be for those experiencing the loss to reach out, ask for help, or even identify themselves that they need it, so little things like a call or text asking how they’re doing end up being helpful.
“Sending a meal or a gift card for takeout is also an easy way to say, ‘I know that you are hurting and I hope this eases a burden you may have,’” she added.
For those interested in more information, Houwer again pointed them to check out the group’s Facebook page.
“There you will find information about pregnancy, infant, and child loss and grief resources. You can also find information on how to contact HNHB with a Hope Box request or question, ways in which you can donate financially or items for Hope Boxes, and dates for upcoming HNHB Packing Parties.”
