Sarah Stewart-Clark is hoping Islanders will find it in their hearts to donate some money to those who have lost a parent to depression or addiction this year.
Stewart-Clark, who is originally from Charlottetown but now lives in Valley, N.S., has set up a GoFundMe page to help families who will be celebrating the holidays for the first time without their mom or dad.
Within the small community of Island Mothers Helping Mothers, Stewart-Clark says they have lost nine young parents, three fathers and six mothers, as a result of suicide or overdose.
“I’ve been running Island Mothers Helping Mothers for four years now, and this is the first year we have had this occur,” said Stewart-Clark.
“Every loss is devastating, but what makes these really even more devastating to me, and for others in the community, are the young children left behind.”
Stewart-Clark encourages community members to step up and help these 14 children across the Island, ages one to 30, through this challenging time in their lives.
One of those community members who has come forward to help is Dan Viau, owner of The Toy Factory in New Glasgow.
“I looked at what Sarah was doing and I realized right away we could help,” said Viau.
Viau is donating a variety of toys, play sets and games from his specialty toy shop.
“It’s something that will be good play value and something their friends won’t get,” said Viau.
Viau admits he has experienced depression at times over the years and that this is a cause that he “totally believes in”.
“Suicide has such a powerful long lasting impact,” said Viau.
“At least this lets people know that there are people outside of their immediate family that care about them, too.”
Viau says he hopes when the children open their presents Christmas morning that they are able to feel some joy.
“I think it’s really important that they are able to have fun,” said Viau. “What everyone wants most for their kids, whether they are here to be part of it or not, is for the kids to have a good life, and to have a good life means to be able to have a laugh, have fun and just be a kid.”
Stewart-Clark’s goal is to raise $8,000. The funds raised will be split evenly among the families.
“We just want them to know that they are not alone in their darkness and that they have a community here who love their children and love the person who died and that we remember them too this Christmas.”
FACT BOX:
Quick facts
Do you wish to donate money to help local families who have lost a parent to depression or addiction this year?
Visit: www.gofundme.com/h7xpkp-you-are-not-alone-this-christmas
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The Guardian’s I Believe series, which will be published both in print and online between now and Christmas, will include inspirational and uplifting stories to get us in the holiday spirit. If you have a story that you believe should be part of the I Believe series, please email [email protected].
Other stories in the I Believe series:
I BELIEVE: Children of inmates at P.E.I. jail get presents for Christmas
I BELIEVE: No shortage of support for international community on the Island over the holidays
I BELIEVE: Summerside boy has wish granted, spends a week in Los Angeles
I BELIEVE: Musical Christmas lights display up and running in Indian River
I BELIEVE: Christmas together on P.E.I.
I BELIEVE: Boy on P.E.I. bringing joy to children, buying gifts for Islanders in need
