The memory of two young girls lives on through bright and colourful benches that are being installed in parks and playground spaces.
A total of 10 rainbow-hued “buddy benches” are being installed around the RM of Rockwood, thanks to a thoughtful donation from Danica and Abby’s Village. The organization honours local girls Danica deLaroque and Abby Margetts, whose young lives were lost in separate accidents.
The buddy benches can act as a signal that there is a child looking for a playmate. If other children see someone sitting on a buddy bench, they know the child would like an invitation to play.
“Buddy benches are bright rainbow coloured benches found in our communities to encourage kindness and friendship. Danica and Abby embodied kindness and friendship in their short times here,” said Toni deLaroque, Danica’s mom.
“They made so many friends both earthside and now even beyond. I’ve had many little kids tell me how the girls have helped them make friends at a park while sitting on the bench.”
The organization received its first shipment last year and they’re now ready to get the benches into community parks.
“Rockwood is one of the communities our girls lived and played in,” deLaroque said. “We have more going into other communities. If anyone has an idea on where one belongs in our communities, contact us and we will see what we can do.”
Rockwood Reeve Wes Taplin said the municipality is honoured to receive the generous donation from Danica and Abby’s Village.
“These buddy benches reflect the values we hold dear — kindness, connection and community,” he said.
“In a time when mental wellness and inclusion are especially important than ever, these benches will serve as a visible and meaningful way for children to reach out and support one another.”
The buddy benches will be installed in community spaces, particularly in parks and recreation areas where families and children gather regularly.
“These locations see frequent use and are ideal for encouraging interaction, empathy and friendship among youth,” Taplin said.
“The benches are a welcome addition to our public spaces and will complement the safe, welcoming environments we strive to provide in our parks.”
Parks staff will begin to install the benches soon, and installation of all 10 benches will likely be complete in the early summer.
“As our parks see increasing use throughout the warmer months, the timing couldn’t be better,” Taplin said.
“With June being Parks and Recreation Month, the installation of these buddy benches is a timely and meaningful addition to our community spaces.”
At the same time, deLaroque expressed appreciation for the community connections.
“We are so blessed to have the support of our communities to keep our girls’ memories alive,” she said.
“They say is takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a loving village to honour our angels.”
Coming up on Aug. 16 and 17 in Stonewall, the fourth annual slo-pitch tournament will raise funds for Danica and Abby’s Village. To register, contact Richard Klap at danicaandabbysvillage@gmail.com or 431-339-1676.
