ON what should have been a day of celebration, the Smith family is remembering the birthday of their precious Maddie by supporting a beyondblue fundraiser at Woolworths Gunnedah.
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The community came out in force this morning to support Barry, Vicki, and Gabrielle Smith, at a sausage sizzle that raised almost $2000.
Vicki has asked beyondblue to keep the funds within the Gunnedah area to provide much-needed resources for those suffering from mental illness. Maddie lost her battle to depression in March this year.
The fundraiser was organised by Woolworths customer service manager Patrina Marshall, and store manager Alastair Hulley, with assistance from staff, who volunteered their time and gave gold coin donations to wear blue to work.
A long-term employee of Woolworths, Vicki said her fellow staff were like family.
“I’ve lost so much, but I’ve got so much support,” she said.
“beyondblue is such an important organisation and we need to make people aware that this can happen to anybody, anytime, any family; that Madds would want everybody that needs it to go there and ask for help and just keep trying, just keep trying.
“And all she ever wanted to do was make a difference and that’s what’s happening. People are more aware, it’s out here and she is making a difference and it’s important that people are aware. Have a look at their kids and things like that. We did. We didn’t think that this would happen.
“The signs, everyone was looking, but we didn’t see them still, so it’s important that you do take another look and just be there, talk to them, talk to your kids and make sure that they are okay.
“We need the resources in Gunnedah so people know what’s going on, where to get help from.”
To donate to beyondblue in memory of Maddie Smith, visit https://beyondblueinmemoriam.everydayhero.com/au/never-again-in-honour-in-maddie-smith