My name is Nat Elliott, and I am organizing this fundraising initiative to honour Megan Bell, a sweet and deeply kind girl who was my daughter’s best friend, and whose parents are among my closest friends.

Megan was a young girl in our community who passed away on February 15, 2026, following a tragic incident during a school ski trip. She was a joyful girl with a gentle, sunshine-like spirit that brought warmth and happiness wherever she went.

She shared her love freely with the people around her and found happiness in singing, dancing, being outdoors, and going on adventures—both big and small. Some of her happiest moments were spent on her backyard swing.

She would often go outside to “swing her worries away,” singing her favorite songs as she soared through the air. It was a simple thing, but it brought her so much peace and joy.

We know Megan would have loved to share that feeling with others. Creating a swing set in her memory feels like a meaningful way to honour who she was. Our hope is to offer a small space where children—and even adults—can come, think of Megan, and experience that same sense of freedom, lightness, and comfort…a place to swing their worries away.

The plan is to place the swing set in Megan’s favourite local park, Joe Rowan Park. Because this is a City of Ottawa park, the project will be managed through the City, in close collaboration with the Bell family. Initial quotes and discussions with City staff indicate that the amount needed to move forward with the design and implementation of this swing project is approximately $40,000. This includes installing a saucer swing, a standard belt swing, a commemorative plaque, a bench, landscaping, and an accessible pathway.

As a community, let’s come together to create something lasting and meaningful in Megan’s honour. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to making this vision a reality. If you feel moved to contribute, your donation will be received with deep gratitude and heartfelt appreciation. If a financial donation isn’t possible at this time, please consider sharing this campaign with others as another meaningful way to support. Together, we can honour Megan’s memory and create something that brings comfort, connection, and joy to the entire community—a place for anyone to swing their worries away.

Thank you for your generosity and support.