Everyone who needs a reminder that they are not alone

If there is anyway I would describe this year, I would describe it to be eye-opening.

On August 5th, 2024, I have had a 41 year old cousin of mine pass away.

Over the past week, I have come to learn of the struggles and challenges he has been battling- none of which I was previously aware of. It made me recognize how important it is to check in on others.

As we all grow older and become consumed with our own lives, we sometimes forget that it just takes a few minutes of our time to check in on how someone is doing.

This week and this year made me realize how much we are all in need of a reminder to breathe and see the beauty in the world and in life. We all face many challenges and struggles on a daily basis but a few minutes with anyone who genuinely cares about you or asks about your well being may be all you need to pick yourself up again.

My cousin’s recent passing made me think about where I find the most peace at. For me, it is a park bench, where I can see my child play at the park, watch people enjoy a walk, listen to the birds chirping away and look at the beautiful colours of the sky.

This is the first time I am raising for a fundraiser on my own. However, I hope with the help of others I can raise money to purchase a commemorative bench in a park in Oshawa. As this is the city my cousin had passed away in.

Below I have pasted the link for where I hope to have this done through.

A Commemorative bench fee in the city of Oshawa is : $2,627.62 + H.S.T. = $2,969.21.

it is in tribute of:

https://ripbook.com/sivamathan-sivanathan-66b22f006bc98/tribute/6f5fbe88-4699-4d6a-8ed9-e6bfba461c1f

If we exceed the goal to purchase a bench, the remaining money will go towards a mental health organization such as CAMH.

Below I have attached further details regarding Oshawa’s guidelines in purchasing a commemorative bench.

https://www.oshawa.ca/en/parks-recreation-and-culture/commemorative-trees-and-benches.aspx

There is a possibility that this bench may not be built by 2024, it may possibly be built in 2025.

Updates will be provided regularly. Therefore, when the bench is built, images will be shared here.