A local teen has responded to a community tragedy by helping others struggling with mental illness.
Olivia Musico, 19, says she and fellow Northern High School student Stephanie Shaw developed a close friendship when they were admitted to a London hospital for mental health issues at the same time.
Despite seeking out treatment, Shaw took her own life in August 2016. She was 17-years-old.
An example of a Steph's Self Care Package made by Olivia Musico.
"At the beginning of December I was Christmas shopping and I was seeing a lot of stuff that reminded me of Steph," says Musico. "I wanted to get things for her and I wasn't able to. Then the idea came to me of Steph's Self Care Packages."
Musico started creating packages for patients in psychiatric care, but quickly halted production when money became tight.
Seeking out funding, Musico applied for and successfully received a $1,000 grant from Sarnia's Awesome Foundation in December.
With that she made approximately 60 care packages and plans to make 50 more to keep up with requests.
"When I shared the idea I had a lot of people requesting them," says Musico. "If someone is asking for help, why would I deny them that?"
Each package is different and costs approximately costs $10 to make.
They generally contain a journal, kleenex, stuffed animals or fuzzy socks and a colouring book. Musico makes pillows for them and includes a positive hand written message.
The supplies, even the box, are self-harm safe.
"I just want people to know that they are loved and that they are not alone," says Musico. "If there's a package that can bring a little bit of joy or light into someone's dark times and I can be that bit of light I'd love to do that."
To request a package or make a donation to the project, you can contact Musico at Olivia.Musico@Outlook.com.
-Written by Meghan Bond, Fanshawe College Intern