When 14-year-old Madeline (Maddie) Grace German Coulter passed away as a result of depression this past April, her family was faced with two options: they could succumb to their grief and mourn their loss in private or could shine a light on the scourge of mental illness by sharing their experience with others suffering from the same affliction. They chose the latter.
Maddie’s parents, Nicole German and Chris Coulter, spearheaded a community initiative called the Maddie Project to promote awareness and support other local adolescents suffering from depression.
The project has committed to raising $1 million to create a therapeutic healing garden at the Phillips House in North York in honour of Maddie’s memory. The site was unveiled Oct. 26 and sits on the property’s 1.2 acres. The contribution will go toward the $7 million renovation of the North York General Foundation’s new outpatient facility.
According to Maddie’s mom, the garden could provide opportunities for children with eating disorders to grow their own vegetables and learn about the benefits of nutrition. Maddie spent a significant amount of time at North York General Hospital, and although she received top-notch care, resources were limited. That was something German said her daughter wanted to change.
“Maddie often talked about wanting to give back when she got out of the hospital, whether to help get a gym or provide better facilities for kids in the program. And so this is really about fulfilling her wish,” said German.
Maddie’s brothers, Zac and Sawyer, and other members of the Lawrence Park neighbourhood have also pitched in to raise funds.
The group has already raised $350,000, with other fundraising projects scheduled for late November. Go to www.themaddieproject.ca to donate.