Fundraiser to honour daughter's memory
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Joanne Chiasson has organized the ultimate birthday bash Saturday for her daughter Amy Langelaan, who would have turned 22 that day.
The theme party held at Alice McKay Hall in Cloverdale is called “A Nightmare Before Christmas,” because that was Amy’s favourite movie, said Chiasson.
So much so, she had tattoos of the characters.
The celebration and costume party will not only salute her daughter, who died suddenly and unexpectedly in January, but the funds raised from the evening are for scholarships in Amy’s name for both Apex Secondary and the Cloverdale Learning Centre, both places Langelaan attended.
“If it wasn’t for these schools, she wouldn’t have graduated. She didn’t fit the box. Kids like her tended to be shunned and yet we want a positive light shone on these kids,” said Chiasson.
Amy was gay and her mom was her “biggest advocate,” she said. She had an infectious personality, two sisters who adored her and had dozens of friends, many of whom still visit the family home to light candles and remember their friend.
Chiasson has already managed to hand out one scholarship to a young man in Amy’s name. He wrote her a letter to say he is going on to become a teacher.
“That meant the world to me. The goal is to have $4,000 in scholarships and provide used but well working computers for the students,” she said. “In order to succeed at school these days, kids need computers. With the cuts in the school system, this contribution is more important than ever.”
With major support from the Valley Women’s Network, there are grab bags and gifts at the event.
The fun-filled night, that starts at 8 p.m., includes tons of live entertainment including many of Amy’s friends and family, some of whom have flown in from all parts of Canada to be at the bash. It also includes a performance from Chiasson and her two daughters. Her daughters plan to close out the show as well, she said.
Some friends of Amy’s are singing, and two have written songs about her.
“What a legacy that is,” she said.
A friend of Amy’s, who was also a friend of 22-year-old Chris Mohan, murdered in the Surrey Six murders, is performing a song for Chris.
There’s also a tribute to a friend of Amy’s who was killed in a crash on 200 Street.
“This is a tribute to all the kids gone too young,” she said.
Already more than 70 people have confirmed they are attending.
She plans to put together three fundraising events per year to raise the scholarship money.
“This keeps me focused on doing something positive in her memory,” she said.
“As parents we take for granted that we will always see them. This is like losing my best friend,” she said.
On top of scholarships, Chiasson is hoping to work with a lawyer to create legislation around parental rights after police and the coroner denied her the right to identify her own daughter’s body.
“At the time, I was made to feel like I didn’t have that right and I do. Maybe I fell through the cracks but if it happened to me, this could happen to other parents. I can’t turn back the clock but I can make sure it doesn’t happen again,” she said.
If you would like to help, e-mail Joanne at angelicvisions@telus.net.
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