Our only child Matthew was a victim of a hit-and-run on March 28, 2005 in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, NL.

 

Matthew loved life and what life had to give. He had a beautiful gift of lifting spirits and helping his friends by listening, talking, making people laugh or showing his beautiful smile. He was gentle, kind, compassionate and cared deeply for others.

 

Matthew had a passion for hockey. He loved the sport, loved the friendship from it, the workout and most of all being at the rink with his Dad.

 

Another important part of Matthew's life was his education. Matthew displayed a positive attitude and worked very hard in school. Despite a learning disability, written output disorder, he performed very well in the mainstream curriculum. His academic success was in part due to his Mom and Dad who spent countless hours helping him achieve his goals. Matt also loved school because it was where his friends were.

 

It has now been 10-months since Matthew was taken from us on the evening of March 28^th, 2005.  Through the warmth, love, kindness and compassion of many people, we continue to survive something no parent should endure.  We still have a long road to travel but with the support we have received, and will continue to receive, we will survive this nightmare.

 

Shortly after the news of Matthew's passing, we received numerous requests regarding where monetary donations could be made in Matthew's memory. We believed that by setting up a memorial fund, it would benefit other children in Matthew's memory. His memory would be honored by way of generosity to others - just as Matthew had lived his life - generously giving of himself to others. Therefore, The Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Fund was established.

 

Individual and corporate donators have helped us achieve this worthwhile endowment in Matthew’s memory, and for this we are thankful.  Your kindness and compassion have not only helped us with our own grief but also will help several students on an annual basis on a go-forward-basis.

 

As of December 31, 2005, donations and wristbands sales have reached $47,281.60 in funds that have been transferred to the Eastern Educational Fund.  Additional donations are still being received in 2006 and will become part of the endowment on a quarterly basis. The Memorial Fund now has the viability to make four annual awards in Matthew’s memory as follows:

 

(1) $100 award named The Matthew R. Churchill Grade 6 Award, shall be awarded to a Grade 6 student at Beachy Cove Elementary School

 

(2) $200 award named The Matthew R. Churchill Grade 9 Industry Award shall be awarded to a Grade 9 student at Leary’s Brook Junior High School

 

(3) $300 award named The Matthew R. Churchill Grade 12 Award shall be awarded to a Grade 12 student at Prince of Wales Collegiate Senior High School

 

All three awards will be awarded to students who must work extra hard and show determination in dealing with barriers to learning and does so with a smile and an appreciative attitude, demonstrates a positive outlook and displays excellent school spirit and the student has not received any other awards in the same year.

 

In addition to these awards, the Memorial Fund will also award The Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Fund Post-Secondary Education Entrance Scholarship of $1000 to a student meeting certain criteria including active participation in sports and volunteer activities, acceptance to a recognized post-secondary institution, have an overall 65% average in their Grade 12 graduating and who is, or has been, a recreational or competitive hockey player and whose affiliation is with the St. John’s Minor Hockey Association.  Preference will be given to players who have committed to the St. John’s Minor Hockey Association through their midget years.

 

Matthew had a beautiful gift of lifting spirits and helping his friends by listening, talking, making people laugh, or showing his beautiful smile.  As he had touched many lives and hearts, his acts of kindness are still being returned to others.

 

Administration:

The collection of donations is being administered by John Baker, Q.C. (Partner; White, Ottenheimer & Baker) and Donald Warr, F.C.A. (Partner; Blackwood & Warr Chartered Accountants) who have agreed to act as trustees.

 

The day-to-day management of the Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Fund will be managed by the Eastern School District Board. Their supervision will enable issuance of receipts for all donations.