Memorial Buddy Bench

The Eastview Parent Community is fundraising for a Memorial Buddy Bench. The purpose of the bench is twofold - to honour and celebrate the life of Erin Wilson and to connect current students with playmates on the playground.

Erin was a Kindergarten student in Ms. Jette’s class at Eastview last year. In May of 2019, Erin developed Myocarditis. After a courageous battle in Children’s hospital, Erin passed away in July - just one week short of her 6th birthday.

Erin is remembered by her friends and the school community as a clever girl who played happily with everyone. She had a keen love of the outdoors; her favourite activities included camping,

biking and playing on the monkey bars. She was a member of the Seymour’s soccer team (North Shore Girls Soccer) and the 3rd Crown Sparks (Girl Guides). Before her passing, Erin had just learned to read by herself. She loved going to school.

We are fundraising for a concrete bench which will be situated facing the playground under the tree outside Ms. Jette’s classroom. The bench is expected to cost around $950.

A Buddy Bench is a place where children can go if they would like to connect and play with others. Eastview staff will educate the students on how to use the bench. Children who observe a

child sitting on the bench will be encouraged to invite the child on the bench to play. Students who knew Erin will also enjoy the bench as a place to remember their friend.

To donate toward the Memorial Buddy Bench, you can:

1. Make a contribution through https://sd44.schoolcashonline.com/ (sign in, click “Make a Donation,” select Eastview PAC as the fund destination, and write “Memorial Buddy Bench” in the message line).

2. Drop a sealed envelope containing cash or cheque in the PAC mailbox in the school office. Please label the envelope or memo line of your cheque “Memorial Buddy Bench.” Tax receipts can only be issued through School Cash Online.

If you have questions or require more information, you may reach out to Kristina Shubert at kristinashubert@gmail.com  or Mr. Chan at rchan@sd44.ca.