Nicholas Lambden Memorial Children’s Foundation
As some of you may be aware, our son, Nicholas was 10 years old when he passed away February 12, 2007. He was playing hockey in the park. Something he loved to do. Nicholas was an energetic and fun loving child who truly had a passion for life. Nicholas worked very hard at everything he did. He enjoyed going to school and getting involved in his school community. He was a diligent student, a reading buddy, a lunchroom helper, school patrol member and a talented athlete. In addition, like all children, Nicholas loved to play. Whether it was on the hockey rink, the soccer field, in the park, or the school playground he found pleasure in just being a kid. He was also a loving and sensitive child who cared about the well being of others. Helping family, friends, teachers, classmates and teammates was something he got great enjoyment from.
In his passing, many generous people gave to the Hospital for Sick Kids Trauma unit in his memory and they raised over 30,000. As well, Nicholas himself gave the greatest gift of all. He gave the gift of life through organ donation. Because of Nicholas, three young teenagers live today. It gives us great satisfaction and comfort to know that somewhere these children will go on to live healthy happy lives because of his gift. I had the honour this past summer to attend the Canadian Transplant Games. This is a sporting event much like a mini Olympics. The athletes who participate are all recipients of organ donation. Organ donor families were invited to attend. It was truly an uplifting experience to have the athletes from all over the country come up and hug you and thank you for your gift. They know the meaning of life. I asked one lady why she participates in the games. Her answer to me was, I am so lucky to have this second chance that I want to do as much as I possibly can and live my life to the fullest. They appreciate what they have because someone gave to them.
The best way that we as Nicholas’s parents could continue his legacy of giving was to start the Nicholas Lambden Children’s Foundation.
Nicholas’s Foundation fund was set up shortly after Nicholas passed away in February 2007. It is administered by the Guelph Community Foundation. Since its inception we have donated all the pond hockey nets and safety signage at all the outdoor rinks in Guelph. His foundation has also installed new playground equipment for Rickson Ridge Public school and reading carts for those children who may not have access to books at home as well as sponsoring the Grand River Conservation Authority and Severn Callus Suzuki to discuss the environmental issues that will impact our children. (We are now currently working to raise $200,000 through his foundation to match his family’s personal donation dollar for dollar to build an outdoor rink in front of City Hall here in Guelph.)
We believe through his Foundation, we can make a difference in the lives of children and honour his life. His legacy to help other children will support educational, health and safety and recreational initiatives for kids throughout our community. There is a great reward in giving to others. Giving makes us better people and helps build a strong community. It may be as small as holding a door for someone, giving them a hand if they fall, or helping a classmate if they don’t understand.
Life is about giving. Give your very best every single day in all that you do. Enjoy it to the fullest as Nicholas did and don’t ever forget to play.