Making a difference
Group honours memory of 13-year-old who was bullied
A North Sydney teenager who was killed by hurtful words, her family says, is now the inspiration behind a series of acts of kindness.
Nicknamed ‘the Queen,’ by her mother, 13-year-old Madison Wilson enjoyed rap music, spending time with her cat and lilacs.
A little over a year ago, she wore a sequined dress in the purple hue for her junior prom at Sydney Mines Middle School.
The following day — June 18, 2017 — the Grade 8 student took her own life.
“She was such a beautiful, beautiful girl,” said family friend Renee Smith in a recent interview. “Honestly, we were all in shock.”
In the days following her death, it was revealed that Madison had endured taunts at school and through social media.
Her parents, including mother Amy Wilson, were unaware of the severity of the situation, as they said their daughter hid the abuse behind passwords and security codes.
“Amy’s family has gone through hell, and I mean, they’re still completely devasted,” said Smith whose son was close with Madison.
“She was relentlessly bullied in school.”
About a month after her funeral, Smith approached Madison’s mother about creating a positivity campaign in her memory.
The two women have grown remarkably close. Together, they would follow in the footsteps of 18-year-old Becca Schofield of Last year, Madison’s Angels gathered enough hats and mittens for more than 100 children in the Northside area. Already, there are enough donations collected this year for 90 children, although the campaign is ongoing.
New Brunswick who inspired people around the world to perform random acts of kindness.
Schofield died last February
from terminal brain cancer.
“We were sort of inspired by Becca,” said Smith of the group Madison’s Angels that has since grown to over 200 members.
“I don’t think there’s anything that can make that type of loss better, but with that being said, (Amy’s) a go-getter.
“She helped in every way with all of the fundraising and we just feel like it has been very healing.”
Last fall, family and friends gathered 100 hats and mittens, along with several winter jackets, to be donated to area schools and food banks in Madison’s memory.
The tradition continues this year with a high-demand for new or gently-used jackets, including girls’ size 12.
As part of its philanthropic efforts, the group has been gathering dry cat food for the local Feral and Abandoned Cat Society and dog treats for the Cape Breton SPCA.
“We were telling Madison’s friends too because we thought maybe that would help them heal if they could get involved in something positive in her memory,” said Smith.
“(Madison) was always somebody that was the listening ear for children. She helped so many people, even people that were younger than her and she gave them advice.
“I’m sure she is looking down and is beyond proud.”
Madison’s family marked the June anniversary of her death with a paper lantern ceremony.
Smith said despite the tragedy, Madison’s Angels continue to hear stories from area youth who experience bullying in the community.
“It is definitely still going on,” Smith said. “I wish I could say things are different. We hear so many sad stories from children in the schools; it’s just heart wrenching.”
Planning is now underway to launch a high school fundraiser that will help area graduates with their expenses.
In addition to spending time with her sister and two brothers, family members say Madison loved dressing up, which was part of the reason a prom fundraiser was chosen.
“The community has been so supportive, it’s really been overwhelming,” said Smith.
Donations can be dropped off at 142 Pond Rd., Sydney Mines, by messaging the Facebook page Madison’s Angels or by phone at 902-736-1931.
Anyone who wishes to speak anonymously and confidentially to a counsellor about bullying, abuse, suicide or problems related to mental health can phone the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.