Winnipeg mother continues her late daughter’s spirit of giving with backpack drive – Winnipeg | The Canadian News

A Winnipeg mother is packing backpacks of basic and essential supplies to deliver to those in need, in memory of her daughter, who died of accidental fentanyl poisoning.

Shelley Taillieu told Global News that her daughter, Destiny, died at age 22 in November 2018, and the backpack project is a way to experience Destiny’s charitable and helpful nature, even if she is no longer here to participate. .

“This time of year is always very difficult, because on November 4 he died and on November 10 was his birthday,” Taillieu said.

“Me, her boyfriend and her Aunt Tammy decided to do something in memory of her that was like her, what she did in her life.

“She always gave, regardless of her struggles. She had a mental illness as a teenager, and she struggled with it … she struggled with addiction in her early adulthood and unfortunately that took her life, but she was always willing to help others and give her last dollar to someone in the street. that he needed it more than she did. “

Taillieu said that Destiny’s boyfriend Sean, who helped spearhead the project, has since died as well, which is why the backpack project is now known as Destiny and Sean’s Backpacks From Heaven.

The backpacks are filled with basic items like reusable water bottles, non-perishable food, toiletries, and warm winter clothing like gloves, hats, and scarves, and are given out annually to people living on the streets.

“I think the important thing is never to give up,” Taillieu said. “There’s always hope.

“Always love these people. These people are good, good people who fight a disorder that is difficult to overcome. There are so many homeless people now.

“All these people usually have a story, and their story usually begins in their childhood with something that has happened or some type of mental illness in their family that has led to addiction and homelessness.”

Taillieu said that November 4, the anniversary of Destiny’s death, would generally be a horrible day, but being able to show kindness to others on behalf of her daughter helps put some of her grief aside.

“What I really want people to do is be nice,” he said.

“If you see someone homeless and they’re sitting there, buy them a donut, buy them a coffee, just do something nice for someone else.

“It makes what would be a really horrible day a little bit better, because you can see the smiles on these people’s faces; they are so happy to receive anything.”

Anyone interested in participating should email Taillieu for more information.

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