What's New

Award recipients page has been updated. Congratulations to Daniel Morrissey who is the 2010 recipient of the post-secondary scholarship!

The 2009 recipients of the Grade 12 award and the Memorial Scholarship have now been uploaded.

It has been a while since our last update, however, I am pleased to say that the web pages announcing the Grade 6, Grade 9, Grade 12 and Scholarship winners have now been updated.  Also updated are the midget hockey player awards for the 2008-2009 season as well as the teams I coached during the season (three of them.......whew.....busy season).  As always, I immensely enjoyed the coaching of these teams and meeting new players coming into our association and look forward to seeing you all again in September.

We would like to congratulate Noah Osmond who received the Grade 6 Matthew Churchill Memorial Fund Award and Brandon Tucker who was the recipient of the Grade 9 Matthew R. Churchill Industry Award.

Rod has updated the Hockey Awards and Hockey Teams and Teamates section of the website.  Myself and Desma are planning to do some "housekeeping" on the site in coming weeks and provide some updates......who knows, maybe Desma will even right a new article for upload.  Stay tuned.

There is an article written in the edition (Sat, Jan 5, 2008) "The Telegram"   on page A-11 - "Chief judge asked to clarify court sentences".

The 2007 Matthew R. Churchill Grade 12 Award recipient is Chris Butler. Please click HERE to view a picture.

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

The 2007 Matthew R. Churchill Post-Secondary Education Entrance Scholarship has been awarded to Chris Clark.  Please click HERE to view a picture and some information about Chris.

Matthew's Story. The article is written in Edition (Dec 9-15 2007) "Newfoundland Herald" by Valerie Kent.  On page 20 of the Newfoundland Herald, entitled Matthew's Story.  A new book chronicles the life and death of 15 year old Newfoundland boy Matthew Churchill, and sheds light on what wasn't said during the trial of his hit and run driver.

There is a beautiful article written in Edition (Dec 2-8 2007) "Newfoundland Herald" by Valerie Kent.  On page 3 of the Newfoundland Herald, entitled "I Never Met Matthew Churchill", is touching and heart warming. In reading the article we couldn't be more proud of our Son, Matthew.  The lives that Matthew touched in his 15 years is amazing.  We think of all the people who have been introduced to Matthew during and after his life here on earth and we think of all those who will know Matthew when it's there time to enter Heaven.

Thank Valerie for writing this article it will forever be in our hearts.

Thank you so very much for your kind and caring thoughts about Matthew's Story. "Grieving Hearts Talk: The Matthew R. Churchill Story" .  We have received so many messages.  We are overwhelmed by your kindness and caring words - thank you from the bottom of our grieving hearts. 

Rod and Desma

        &

Special Angel Matthew

November 6, 2007:

Thank you so very much for your kind and caring thoughts about Matthew's Story.

"Grieving Hearts Talk: The Matthew R. Churchill Story" 

We love hearing all your messages.  They bring us much comfort.

desma.churchill@nl.rogers.com

rod.churchill@nl.rogers.com

November 3, 2007:

Grieving Hearts Talk: The Matthew R. Churchill Story

Is available at most Book Stores, Price Club, and Whales Back (Portugal Cove).

October 15, 2007:

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

September 21, 2007:

Thank you to Leary's Brook Junior High School, Mr. B. Head, staff and students.  It is such a honor to have the gym named in Matthew's honor.  We are so proud.  This tribute will forever be in our hearts.

Thank you to the below people and stations for their coverage on the school's gymnasium dedicated to Matthew's memory. As you know this is so very important to us. Thank you for showing another positive impact Matthew had on others.

NTV News (Fred Hutton) air date Sept 21, 2007

CBC News (Debbie Cooper) air date Sept 21, 2007

The Telegram (Danette Dooley) published Sept 22, 2007

VOCM (Jennifer Tulk) air date Sept 21 and 22, 2007

Out Of The Fog (K. Holmes and P. Daley)  air date Sept 24, 2007

September 18, 2007:

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

August 5, 2007:

Flower Service was held at Memorial United cemetery grounds on Bauline Line, Portugal Cove at 2:00pm.  Thank you to family and friends who attended. This meant so much to us. 

July 19, 2007:

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

In dedication of Matthew's 18th Birthday we had a beautiful banner placed in our church, Memorial United Church in Portugal Cove.

Click to see pictures

Happy 18th Birthday Matthew.  May you sing and dance with the angels.

Click to see pictures

July, 2007:

Matt's Garden is in full bloom.  The colors are so vibrant.  A place the butterflies and dragonflies like to hang out!

Click to see pictures.

June 23, 2007:

Please read article

(click here for - Disturbing Actions - Complaint filed against lawyer who advised Parson family after Matthew Churchill's Death.

Written in the newspaper "The Independent" dated June 15-21, vol.5 issue 24 by Brian Callahan.

June 18, 2007:

We are pleased to announce MARK PARRELL as the recipient of The Matthew R. Churchill Grade 6 Award.  Click HERE to see his picture and short write-up!

June 16, 2007:

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

May 14, 2007:

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom about our recent trip to Vancouver where we attended a MADD Conference and Candlelight Vigil.

April 04, 2007:

A new picture uploaded to Matt's Resting Place.

March 28, 2007:

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

Our second year without Matthew here with us. Forever in our hearts and thoughts.

March 02, 2007:

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom .

February 13, 2007:

Please visit Matthew's new friends in Heaven under ... "Forever Loved" .

We received a beautiful poem written by Morgan Chaulk, "In Memory of Matthew". We have added to Expressive Writing on the website after "Tears in Heaven".

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

Matthew's website has had over 1 and a half million visitor (1,547,035) as of today.  It is hard to believe that over one million pages have been turned learning about Matthew.  Thank you to all you have visited Matt.

January 31, 2007:

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom regarding celebrating her 39th birthday.

January 22, 2007:

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

January 21, 2007:

Please note that we have removed the Guest Book from Matthew's website.  Remember that our e-mail  is still open, just click on the ribbon on the front page. We receive many e-mails on a daily basic with heart-warming messages.  We thank you so much your kind and caring words mean so very much to us.

Replacing the Guest Book is "Forever Loved".  Forever Loved was under the Support Group section of the website. Please visit Matthew's new friends.

January 08, 2007:

Rod and Desma are pleased to announce Roxann Organ as recipient of the Matthew R. Churchill Grade 12 Scholarship.  Further information can be seen HERE.

January 04, 2007:

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

December 09, 2006:

Rod and Desma are pleased to announce Ryan Roberts as recipient of the 1st Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Scholarship in Hockey.  Further information can be seen HERE.

December 07, 2006:

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

November 12, 2006:

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom. Thoughts and feeling of the court process.

October 12, 2006:

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

August 09, 2006:

Desma has uploaded a new article to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom. In addition, Rod has completed another section regarding Matthew and hockey pertaining to the hockey award in his memory.  This section is called the Player Awards and can be accessed under the "Hockey" menu item or by clicking here.

July 30, 2006:

We have new pictures uploaded of Matt's Garden.

July 25, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

For Jessica:

Please know that this evening on CBC News (6:00pm Newfoundland time) there will be an article about Jessica.  Please visit  www.thejessicacampaign.com

For Chad:

Please know that the 2nd annual Chad Mercer Memorial ATV Ride is to take place this Saturday on July 29th.  All proceeds go towards the Chad Mercer Memorial Trust Fund.   Please visit www.atvride.piczo.com . 

July 14, 2006  - Matthew's 17th Birthday:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

July 2, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

June 23, 2006:

We are pleased to announce that we have made two awards from the Memorial Fund.  Please see the Award Recipients page for further details.

We would also like to acknowledge the following groups from Leary's Brook Junior High for their donations to the Memorial Fund:

Leary's Brook Cheerleaders who donated $200 and the students of class 9-212 who made a donation of $580 to the Fund.

In addition, before the awards presentation, we were presented with a painting of Matthew that was painted by the grandfather of one of the students of class 9-212.  The painting and the picture it was painted from is included below.  We sincerely thank Mr. William Whalen for his beautiful painting which now hangs in our living room.

June 19, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

June 6, 2006:

Please know that the 2nd annual Chad Mercer Memorial ATV Ride is to take place on July 29th.  All proceeds go towards the Chad Mercer Memorial Trust Fund. 

Please visit www.atvride.piczo.com . 

June 1, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

May 30, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

We received a beautiful poem from Grace Butler Difalco entitled "One Day Less". We have added to Expressive Writing on the website.

May 19, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

May 14, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

In addition, Rod has uploaded some stuff about Matthew and hockey to the new section of the website called "HOCKEY".  This is a work in progress and not yet completed.

May 5, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

April 16, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

Over One Million visitors have visited Matthew's website.  Thank you for visiting Matthew to reflect on cherished memories or people who now have been introduced to Matthew.

Matthew's Memorial Fund has reached $50,000.00.  Thank you to all who have made contributions to The Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Fund.  Please know that your contribution will make a difference in a child's life through Matthew's memory.

March 25, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

In 'Forever Loved',  please note that Tyler's website has been created in love by his family.

Please visit Tyler Sturge

March 25, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

March 23, 2006:

In 'Forever Loved',  please note that Johanna's website has been created in love by her family.

Please visit Johanna Noseworthy

In 'Forever Loved', please note available soon Tyler's website being created in love by his family.

We'll post when the site is up.

March 18, 2006:

Desma has added some more of her thoughts to her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

In addition, Rod has made two new memorial ribbon graphics for use with MSN.  We would be honored if people use them in Matthew's memory.  They can be downloaded here.

March 17, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

A special note of thank-you for your concern and care during a difficult time in our lives.

March 01, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

February 9, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

We are also pleased to announce that our Trustees have finalized details of the Memorial Fund endowment with the Eastern School District today. A total of $47,281.60, which was raised through donations and wristband sales to December 31, 2005, will form the basis of the endowment that will make four annual awards.  Receipts for all donations are now prepared and will go in the mail within the next day or two.

For additional information please visit the Overview of the Memorial Fund section of the website.

January 29, 2006:

Desma has written several new items in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

Rod has written a new item in his section Life Without Matt...by Dad.

January 16, 2006:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

The Memorial Fund is still growing and it is now approaching $50,000.  We would like to thank everyone who have made contributions to the fund either through donations or by purchasing a "Forever Loved" wristband.  We truly appreciate your generosity knowing that an endowment in Matthew's memory will help others.

The Eastern School District are now in the process of issuing receipts for all donations made to the fund.

January 11, 2006:

The Express article by Don Power regarding Rod's return to hockey is now uploaded as a PDF file in the Communiques (Articles) section of the website.  Click HERE to view the PDF file.

January 10, 2006:

I have just been in touch with Debbie Cooper of CBC's Here and Now regarding another broadcast of the Hockey Day in Canada segment on Here and Now.  Debbie informed me that the "longer" segment (7.5 minutes) will be aired tomorrow night (Wednesday, January 11) during the Here and Now broadcast on CBC between 6 and 7pm.

January 08, 2006:

If you would like to view CBC Sports' Hockey Day in Canada segment about Matthew, please click on the following link: http://www.cbc.ca/MRL/clips/rm-lo/churchill_family.rm

Please note that this clip requires RealPlayer to be installed on your computer.  RealPlayer can be downloaded for free from the following link: http://www.real.com/playerplus/index.html?src=realplayer. Make sure you select the Download RealPlayer - Free found in the section called Basic RealPlayer features.

January 03, 2006:

We have just heard from CBC Sports' Hockey Day in Canada.  The segment about Matthew will air:

Saturday, January 7th, 2006

7:00 - 7:30PM Newfoundland Standard Time

5:30 - 6:00PM Eastern Standard Time

In addition, it also looks as if CBC's Here and Now will also air the same segment during local news:

Monday, January 9th, 2006

6:00 - 7:00PM

January 02, 2006:

An additional 22 photographs have been added to the Photographs section of the website.  In addition, we have made a new Memorial Mural page with better photographs and descriptive text.

January 01, 2006:

We spent the day going through photos and changed the layout for the website photos.  We made a new section called Photographs that is subdivided into different groups of photos.

December 28, 2005:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

Rod has written a new item in his section Life Without Matt...by Dad.

In addition, Don Power of The Express has written an article about Rod's return to hockey.  For now, it can be viewed at http://www.theexpress.ca/.  We will try to upload the PDF'd article in the next little while.

December 21, 2005:

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

We would also like to let everyone know that we have just completed a series of interviews with CBC Sports who are doing a story about Matt's love of hockey and our involvement with minor hockey.  The segment will be aired on national TV during the Hockey Day in Canada broadcast on Saturday, January 07, 2006.

CBC has given us a glimmer of happiness in an otherwise unhappy holiday season knowing that Matthew is going to be so proud to be part of Hockey Day in Canada and for this we are grateful.

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

We have added three new pictures to the Matt's Final Resting Place section showing Matthew's Christmas tree and lights.

The website will soon see its 500,000th visitor.  It is hard to believe that half-a-million pages have been turned learning about Matthew.

Our guestbook is now back on-line.  Unfortunately we lost (385 messages) sent to us from October 29 to November 28, 2005.  Thank you so much for checking back.

November 25, 2005:

"Forever Loved" wristbands have been received.  Please check the Wristbands page to see how you can get your own wristband to honor Matthew's memory!  Thank you to all who have requested wristbands in Matthew's memory. 

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

We have created a new section called Books Review.

Please note that the Guestbook is temporarily off-line. Please check back to view the guestbook.

We have had some serious technical difficulties with our web storage provider since last Wednesday night.  Although the site is now up and running, there still appears to be problems with messages missing from October 28 to November 22.  Please bear with us until we iron out the last of the glitches! We should have these restored shortly. Thank you so much for checking back. 

November 12, 2005:

We have added three new pictures to the Matt's Final Resting Place section showing Matthew's Pumpkin and Fall leaves and flowers.

November 08, 2005:

We received a beautiful ballad written by Kerry Spurrell entitled "In Memory of Matthew Churchill". We have added to Expressive Writing on the website after "Tears in Heaven".

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

November 02, 2005:

Another 500 wristbands have arrived.  Please click here to see how you can get one.

Desma has added more writings and I have added a beautiful verse to each of our website sections where our thoughts and feelings are recorded.  Please click on the following links to visit these sections: Life Without Matt.....by Mom and Life Without Matt.....by Dad.

A recent Evening Telegram article by Danette Dooley has also been uploaded to the Articles section of the website.  The article is about local rock band TwoThirteen's dedication of their latest album to Matthew.  Click here to read the article.

October 29, 2005:

Due to the high volume please note that the counter on Matthew's front page is temporarily not counting.  We hope to have this corrected within the next few days.

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

October 28, 2005:

Thank you all for your kind and heartfelt messages left in Matthew's guestbook.  They have touched our hearts so. 

A special thank you to Fred Hutton and the NTV staff in honouring Matthew's Story.  You have helped us with our new purpose in life - to let people who never met him know what an absolutely wonderful and amazing person he was and to keep his memory alive. Your kindness and tribute to Matthew's memory will always be remembered.

Desma has written a new item in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

October 24, 2005:

The Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Fund has now reached $38,846.74 from donations alone - not including what has been raised by the sales of the wristbands.  Thank-you to everyone who has made donations to the Fund.  We would also like to thank all of those who have purchased the Forever Loved wristbands, the proceeds of which will also be benefiting the Fund. To date, all the bands have been sold and another 500 should be delivered late this week or early next.

We are continuing working towards the merger of the Memorial Fund with the Eastern School District.  We hope that by the end of October to mid-November, the ESD should be in a position to be able to issue the necessary receipts for all donations to made to date.  We thank-you for your patience.

October 23, 2005:

Desma has written a couple of new items in her section Life Without Matt...by Mom.

Don't forget about the NTV special "Too Young to Die.....The Matthew Churchill Story" that begins airing tomorrow night!

October 20, 2005:

Both Rod and Desma have added new writings and thoughts to the Life Without Matt section of the website.

October 15, 2005:

We have added a new section called "Accomplishments" under the Matthew menu item.

October 14, 2005:

New entry Life Without Matt...by Mom.

October 11, 2005:

Please note that a television special about the life of Matthew will be aired on the NTV Evening News Hour on October 24, 25, 26 & 27, 2005. We would like to thank NTV and especially Fred Hutton for asking us to do a story all about Matthew's life.

October 11, 2005:

The "Forever Loved" wristbands have been selling very well with sales in excess of $4,900.  We would like to thank everyone who purchased one as well as the local stores and schools for helping sell the bands. Proceeds from the sale of the bands will be going directly to the Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Fund.

The most important purpose to us is when family and friends look at their band and think of Matthew.

There are only a few bands left that can be purchased from:

(1) Whalesback Convenience (Portugal Cove)

(2) by mailing your order as per the instructions on the Wristbands section of the website

(3) The Canteen or St. John's Minor Hockey Association Office at Twin Rinks (St. John's).

We will be ordering more bands and when they arrive, an announcement will be made on the website!

October 10, 2005:

New entry Life Without Matt...by Mom.

October 06, 2005:

Today, the website counter exceeded 200,000 visits.  Thank-you to all the visitors to our site and our family and friends.

Desma has added new entries under Life Without Matt...by Mom.

October 02, 2005:

At this time we would like to post an update as to the sales of the "Forever Loved" wristbands.  As of this evening, a total of $4,036 has been received from the sales of bands and small donations associated with the sales.  We sincerely thank everyone who has purchased a band in order to help support the Memorial Fund.

The website has now seen in excess of 194,000 visitors.

September 28, 2005:

Today is the six-month anniversary of Matthew's passing.  Rod wanted to write something to upload eventhough he finds it so difficult to do so. Life Without Matt...by Dad.

September 23, 2005:

Desma has added another entry under Life Without Matt...by Mom.

In addition, my jerseys with Matt's memorial ribbons attached are now back from the embroidery plant. I was so happy with how well the embroidered ribbon patches came out that I want to post a scan of the ribbon to show everyone.  Please click on the thumbnail to see a bigger picture.

I would like to thank Joanne of Ultragraphics for making such a beautiful ribbon and attaching them to my jerseys for me.

September 20, 2005:

Desma has added another entry under Life Without Matt...by Mom.

The Matt's Garden section has been updated with a couple of new photos as well.

September 19, 2005:

Desma has added another entry under Life Without Matt...by Mom.

As of this morning, the website has now seen almost 172,000 visitors.

The Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Fund has grown to $37,020.74. 

Forever Loved wristbands now in our local convenience stores. Please wear as a remembrance of Matthew and all proceeds go to the fund.

September 16, 2005:

Matthew's "Forever Loved" wristbands have finally here!!!  Please click on the menu item called Wristbands for information regarding how you can get yours.

September 16, 2005:

Desma has added another entry under Life Without Matt...by Mom.

In addition, the Support Group section of the website has now been updated with three new sections being created.

September 10: 2005:

Desma was very restless last night and couldn't sleep so she decided to write.  Please go to the Life Without Matt...by Mom article to see her latest thoughts and feelings.

September 08, 2005:

As has been reported in the news, the accused entered a plea of not guilty today to the charge of leaving the scene of an accident causing death, and now we must await trial that is scheduled to begin March 2, 2006.

Myself and Desma have appreciated the support, generosity and compassion shown us over these last several terrible months and we would kindly ask that any entries that are made in the Guestbook be done without comment of the court case, legal process or of the accused.  We find these do not comfort us as much as the wishes of support and sharing of memories of Matthew.

We thank you for all you have done and hope to continue our writings and uploads of memories of Matthew over the coming months.

Mom & Dad

September 06, 2005:

The next meeting of the Support Group is now scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, September 13, 2005 in the Health Sciences Chapel from 7-9pm.

September 03, 2005:

Local rock band twothirteen just released their second album entitled "The Big Picture".  They dedicated this album to the memory of Matthew and have a beautiful dedication on the inside of the CD jacket. Please click on one of the images below to view a larger image.

Twothirteen was one of Matthew's favorite bands and a Twothirteen guitar pick was placed with him in his casket.

Please support Twothirteen's new album which is in stores now. For more information on the band and their music, please visit http://www.twothirteen.ca/

We would like to thank Carl, Ben, Mike, Roger and Gary of Twothirteen from the bottom of hearts for their album dedication. We are sure Matthew is up above smiling knowing his name is on your CD.

September 02, 2005:

Desma has added another date to her Life Without Matt...by Mom article.

August 29, 2005:

Desma has added another date to her Life Without Matt...by Mom article. 

In addition, the Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Fund has now grown to $36,780.74

August 25, 2005:

Desma has added two new sections to her Life Without Matt...by Mom article. She will be adding to her thoughts under this section every few days so please check back often.

In addition, we are in the process of ordering awareness wristbands in dedication to Matthew's memory.  These bands are similar to Lance Armstrong's yellow Livestrong bands and the red MADD wristbands.  They are made of silicon rubber that will be shaded from purple to pink and imprinted with the words "Forever Loved" and "www.matthewchurchill.ca". We intend to sell the bands to help support the Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Fund as well as to help keep his memory alive.  Please keep an eye on this section regarding arrival of our wristbands.

A couple of new photos of Matt's Garden has also been added. Click HERE to go to the garden!

We have also taken a couple of new photos of Matthew's monument.  Please click on one of the pictures below to see a larger image.

August 23, 2005:

We would like to extend our support to Terry and Bunny Greening who had to deal with their late daughter Kallie's 16th birthday yesterday. We hope your day was filled with fond memories of your beautiful daughter and the support of friends and family helped you through this most difficult of days.

August 20, 2005:

The website has now seen almost 140,000 visitors. 

In addition, Desma has added a new section to her Life Without Matt...by Mom article.  She will be adding to this as part of her writings.

August 10, 2005:

A total of 25 new pictures has been added to the Photos section of the website.  They can be found at the top of the photo page.

August 05, 2005:

Danette Dooley's article about the Support Group we are involved with has now been uploaded to the Articles page and is entitled: PARENTS FORM NEW SUPPORT GROUP: Meet Regularly to help each other deal with pain of losing children.  Thanks to Danette for helping us let others who have lost children that our group is available for mutual support.

August 02, 2005:

Flower service in the United Church Cemetery on Bauline Line, where Matthew now rests, will be held at 2:00pm Sunday, August 7, 2005.  All are welcome to attend.

July 31, 2005:
In today's issue of The Telegram, Danette Dooley's article about our Support Group is on the front page of the paper.  We would like to thank Danette for writing a very nice article to let other parents who share our same grief know that our support group exists.  We are there to share, listen and talk and that grieving parents are not alone.

I will hopefully be able to upload her article to our Support Group and Articles pages in the next couple of days.

July 29, 2005:

Matthew's monument was erected today over his final resting place.  We would like to thank Woodrow Janes and his staff at Family Memorials for helping us to create such a beautiful, everlasting memorial to Matthew.

July 27, 2005:

New pictures of Matt's Garden are now uploaded.

July 24, 2005:

We officially exceeded 100,000 visitors to the website today. 

In addition, we have added a new section under Matthew called Remember as well as updated the Support Group page with some pictures and information about two other children who have become angels just like Matthew - Kallie Greening and Tyler Sturge.

We have also made some updates to the Matt's Garden page.

July 22, 2005:

The Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Fund continues to grow.  As of today, the fund has accumulated $35,260.74.  We would like to thank all of those who have given so freely to the fund.  With your kind donations, you have made a difference in a child's life through the memory of Matthew.

July 21, 2005:

The new website menu is up and running and we would like to thank Mark Hynes for his ongoing assistance to help me with the hard stuff!  If by chance you notice that a link doesn't work properly, please drop me an e-mail (mom_and_dad@matthewchurchill.ca) and tell me about the problem.  Keep watching the site.  Desma has new writings soon ready for upload and we will be adding more photos to the photo page as well as making a tribute to a couple of other special children no longer with us - Kallie Greening and Tyler Sturge.  This information will be available under the Support Group section of the site.

July 15, 2005:

There is a new item menu called July 14th where letters to Matthew for his 16th birthday have been posted by me, Desma and Poppy Brett.  We are also currently revamping the website menu and hope to have it active within the next couple of days.  We are also trying to get a video (instead) of audio for the Zero Tolerance song Take Me Back to post on the website.  Once again, check back often to see when if it has been uploaded.

One of our grief councilors asked us to upload the following message. Please note that updates to times and venues of these meeting will also be kept updated on the Support Group section of the site.:

The Bereaved Parent Support Group is a mutual support group of parents who have experienced the loss of a child. The group meets every couple of weeks. There is not a fixed schedule but any parent who has experienced such a loss is welcome.

For more information contact me at 777-6959, Rick Singleton

The next session Is Tuesday July 19 at 1:00 p.m. in the HSC Chapel.

Please pass this information on to anyone you know who may be interested in such a group.

Thank you,

July 03, 2005:

Additions have been made to the following web pages: School Days & Articles.  We also anticipate 80,000 visitors to the site by later this evening or tomorrow.

We are hoping to have the song Take Us Back, which was sang by Matthew's Zero Tolerance bandmates, as an audio recording soon that will be available from our website.

July 02, 2005:

On Thursday, June 30 we received a letter from the Janeway Foundation in St. John's regarding the number of donations made to the Foundation in Matthew's memory.  The following is an excerpt from this memo to us:

June 27, 2005

Please be assured and may you take comfort in knowing that Matthew’s life lives on in memories of those people that are closest to you.  Matthew’s memory will be forever remembered here at the Janeway, as his name will be listed on the Lasting Memories Wall for 2005. 

A plaque will be put up in February 2006 and we will send you notice to let you know when it’s completed as you may choose to visit.  Even though we here at the Janeway Foundation, did not know Matthew he has touched our lives as well, and we extend our deepest condolences to you and your family for his loss. 

Sincerely,

Manager

Individual Donor Development & Planned Giving

If you would like to make a donation in Matthew’s memory please mail to:

Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation

In Memory of Matthew R. Churchill

300 Prince Philip Drive

St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6

Or please visit: www.janewayfoundation.nf.ca

June 26, 2005:

Desma has written a new article entitled Lost Dreams

June 24, 2005:

The Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Fund has now grown to $33,202.74.  These funds will assist deserving children with their ongoing educational studies and to supply monetary awards to younger students.

The website has currently seen in excess of 70,000 visitors as of this evening.

We have added a new section to the website entitled School Days.  This section contains tributes to Matthew written by his schoolmates and friends as well as other educational related items.

June 23, 2005:

The very first recipients of the Matthew R. Churchill Grade 9 Industry Award were presented their plaques and monetary award today at Leary's Brook Junior by Rod and Desma.  The recipients were Ashley Churchill, Amber Garland and Stephen George.  Pictures of the recipients can be viewed on the Award Recipients page.

We would like to thank the principal of Leary's Brook, Byron Head, for all his help, support and kindness over the last couple of months.  We would also like to acknowledge Matthew's teachers at Leary's Brook for their kind assistance during Matthew's school life, especially Ms. Luby, Ms. Gallagher, Ms. Adams, Mr. Norman and Mr. Clancey.

We wish all the students and especially Matthew's good friends, a happy summer vacation!

June 19, 2005:

There has now been in excess of 62,900 visitors to the website and should top 63,000 later this evening.  We continue to supply Memorial Fund pamphlets to Needs Convenience, Triple-D, Elaine's Convenience, Whalesback Convenience, Premier Video and Murray's Garden Center in Portugal Cove.  There have been in excess of 600 pamphlets supplied to these businesses and we have to deliver more every couple of days.  If you would like to have a pamphlet, please e-mail us at mom_and_dad@matthewchurchill.ca

June 18, 2005:

Rod's story Life Without Matthew....by Dad is uploaded.

June 17, 2005:

Desma's story Life Without Matthew....by Mom is uploaded.

June 15, 2005:

An additional 18 photographs have been added to the top of the Photos page.

June 13, 2005:

The year-end assembly at Leary's Brook Junior High will be on June 23, 2005 and the very first recipient of the Matthew R. Churchill Grade 9 Industry Award will be presented. The website has currently seen in excess of 54,000 visitors as of this evening.

June 09, 2005:

As of this evening, the website has been visited in excess of 50,000 times. We have been overwhelmed by the number of people who are requesting memorial fund pamphlets from Needs Convenience, Triple-D, Elaine's Convenience and Whalesback Convenience in Portugal Cove. A total of 400 has already been given out and more will be available this weekend. We are in the process of more writing and will be adding a new section to the website that will be called LIFE WITHOUT MATTHEW. Please check the website frequently since Rod is not quite sure how long it will take to finish his article.....he finds it unbearable to write it but will complete soon.

June 04, 2005:

As of this morning, the website has been visited in excess of 39,000 times. The counter started on May 25th, 2005 and the number of visitors over this eleven day period has been nothing short of overwhelming. Your messages to the Guestbook has brought comfort to our hearts. Please note that the site will continually have new pieces of information added - please check back often. This morning, Desma made more additions to MATT'S STORY and Rod will be adding more of his thoughts and observations to a brand new section in coming weeks. Also watch for the NOTICES section. Although the link is not working at present, we will soon have the page ready to upload. Once again we thank you for all your support and compassion during these difficult times.

June 04, 2005:

We would like to thank the Portugal Cove - St. Philip's Volunteer Fire Department for their generous fundraising effort in the Portugal Cove and St. Philip's areas. We appreciate the fact that these wonderful men and women gave their Saturday to help contribute to the Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Fund despite the rain. The car wash fundraising effort would not have been a success without the kindness and generosity of all the people who turned out to support this worthwhile cause.

June 03, 2005:

On Saturday, June 04, 2005, the Portugal Cove - St. Philip's Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a car wash fundraiser at the Fire Hall in St. Philip's and in front of Darryl's Muffler Shop in Portugal Cove. All proceeds will be going to the Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Fund. Please come out and support this worthy cause.

June 01, 2005:

The Matthew R. Churchill Memorial Fund tops $30,000 in donations received.

May 26, 2005:

Matthew posthumously awarded "Nicest Smile Award" at the 2005 Leary's Brook Junior High School Grade 9 Graduation. Matthew’s best friend Greg Thorne accepted the award.

April 15, 2005:

A Memorial Service for Matthew is held at Leary's Brook Junior High from 1:30pm - 2:30pm. All staff and students as well as special guests were in attendance. Mural painting done by the students in Matthew's memory unveiled.

April 01, 2005:

Matthew's funeral service held at Memorial United Church in Portugal Cove at 1:30pm. An estimated 1000 people was in attendance.

March 29 to April 01, 2005:

Leary's Brook Junior High opens during Easter Break to provide grief counselling to students, staff and parents.