Matthew Janisse Memorial & Buddy Benches

Nicole, Emiliee, Adam and I lost our son and brother Matthew to suicide on January 13th. Matt was only 25.

Matt left behind two beautiful little boys, Oliver, and Theodore.

Matt touched many lives with his huge giving heart, his amazing forgiving nature, and wonderful sense of humour.

Matt grew up in Riverside attending St. Rose and Riverside Highschool. He played a variety of sports with hockey being his favourite leading him to play in the Riverside Minor Hockey Association where he also volunteers as a scorekeeper.

To honour Matt’s memory, we are looking to place 2 benches in the Riverside area. The first will be a “Buddy Bench” at St. Rose School and the second, a memorial bench, to be set in the Miracle Park, which has recently been built at the former site of Riverside Arena where Matt spent much of his time.

The principle of the “Buddy Bench” is to establish a safe place where anyone experiencing difficulties and feeling sad can go and sit, whereby silently identifying themselves as being in need of a chat, a companion…a buddy. As with many, Matt was often teased in his youth and had there been a “Buddy Bench” available to him, Matt may have been encouraged to reach out for support. What is for certain, Matt’s spirit will be at the ready to greet any person making use of the bench as Matt was everyone’s buddy! Furthermore, the Buddy Bench and memorial bench will serve for all to pause, reflect, and honour loved ones affected by suicide and mental illness.

The goal is to raise $5,200 which is the combined cost for both benches. To that goal, $1,500 in donations was received by family, friends and coworkers at the recent Matthew Janisse Memorial Road Hockey Game (immense gratitude goes to Aaron A) and BBQ.

Please consider helping us reach our goal. Every little bit helps and know that the impact will be great and long lasting as we look to squash the stigmas of suicide and mental illness.