Inspirational Youth Raises Awareness and Funds

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Inspirational Youth Raises Awareness and Funds

Madelaine Brown Shares Her Love of Reading with Young and Old

A couple months ago, we received the following note card from Madelaine Brown, and wanted to share her inspirational story with you.

At the Home and Garden Show in Harmony Square, Brantford, Ontario, Madelaine Brown (and her organization, "Whale Tales"!) collected donations for Habitat for Humanity, by reading stories.

"Madelaine loves to read, and what better way to share her love of reading than with people both young and old at an event to raise funds for a worthy cause". – Madelaine’s mom, Carol Lyn

A few days before the show, her family went to the library and borrowed a few books, trying to keep the subject matter about homes. Next year, "Whale Tales" plans on having some information about Habitat on-hand for people to take away after Madelaine reads her stories of ‘home’.

Here’s Madelaine (in pink) reading to a spellbound audience

"The funniest book was 'Henry's Awful Mistake', and I bet there were 50 people in total that sat down and listened. Interestingly, most were not kids". – Madelaine’s mom, Carol Lyn

Pail used to collect donations and "Whale Tales" sign

Madelaine and her family painted for the event

Hope from Tragedy – Habitat Chosen In Memory of Madelaine’s Doctor

Madelaine’s desire to help Habitat is inspiring enough on its own – but knowing that Madelaine has to overcome her own physical ailment, and that her desire to help Habitat is a thank you to her doctor who helped her is very touching indeed.

In September of 2004, when Madelaine was 6, she was diagnosed with heart disease – her heart is enlarged and her family was told that she could collapse at anytime. Unfortunately, this warning became reality in January of 2005, when Madelaine and her family went to the skating rink for a family skate. Madelaine collapsed and was raced to the hospital. The attending doctor, Dr. Perry, was a young woman that both Madelaine’s parents had worked with when Dr. Perry was a student.

Not long ago, when Dr. Perry was away on vacation, she was tragically killed by a bear. It turns out that Dr. Perry had a passion for Habitat for Humanity, and because of all her support, there have been several builds in Brantford completed in her memory. Madelaine’s parents, Dan and Carol Lyn, volunteered their time on one of these builds, feeling that it was the right thing to do.

In recollecting how events unfolded for Madelaine, from the scariest time in their lives – the day they thought they would lose their daughter – Carol Lyn and Dan have been looking for some way to say thanks to the medical professionals, and Dr. Perry. Sadly, they will never get the chance to say to Dr. Perry "thanks", but have found a way in their hearts to repay her in some small way by supporting something that she was passionate about – Habitat for Humanity.

While Madelaine reads to a crowd of 50 people, the coordinator from

Brantford Parks and Recreation helps Madelaine turn the pages

An Inspirational Reminder of the Meaning of Home

Thanks to Madelaine for being a terrific example of what the young (and old) can accomplish in helping others with a little ingenuity, creativity – and a big heart! With her tremendous gesture to want to help out and make a difference, Madelaine has done a fantastic job of reminding people about the meaning of home – and that’s part of what Habitat for Humanity is all about.

Her parents, Carol Lyn and Dan, couldn’t be more proud!

How You Can Help

Create your own fundraising event, and help raise awareness and needed funds for Habitat!