To celebrate what would have been Annie Olsen’s second birthday June 20, her family, friends and Lethbridge Family Services are organizing a community collection drive for the second year with a request for donations that would have brought joy to Annie on her special day.
On Oct. 6, 2022, at only three months old, Annie passed away in her sleep, leaving behind her mom, dad and five siblings. Bekah Olsen, Annie’s mom, is committed to helping others through Annie’s memory.
“As we approach the second anniversary of the passing of our sweet baby Annie, we are reaching out to the community to join us in honouring her memory. Annie was a blessing to everyone around her and although she is no longer here, her spirit lives on all around us,” says Olsen.
Suitable gift donations for a two-year-old will be used to support LFS newcomer families and Angel Tree children. Donations could include toys, plastic cutlery or bowls, new bibs, snacks or pull-up diapers.
“We want to help as many families as we can in honour of Annie,” adds Olsen. “We want her life to be remembered as one that motivates each of us to love one another a little bit better. We call it the ‘Annie Effect.’ Annie has left an impact on many people in our Lethbridge community and we want to focus on lifting others.”
What Michelle Gallucci from LFS loves about Olsen coming forward last year was it shows people are behind people in everything we do. “Bekah’s experience, her family’s experience having a little girl that passed away three months into her life really affected them, so they want to help the community by celebrating the life of this little girl.”
“It’s caused a domino effect of support,” adds Gallucci.
Last year, the initiative was very successful, notes Gallucci. “We’re hoping for the same this year.”
Gift donations can be dropped off at LFS weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. until June 19.
