In Memory of Olivia Keiko Madalina Bennett

My name is Ella McDonald and I am starting this Go Fund Me for an important person in my life. Michael Bennett has been an integral person in my life for the past 9 years coaching and mentoring me at Cloverdale Black Belt Academy. He has also impacted the lives of many other students at the academy. During this time he was always more than just a coach, he was always someone I could go to when I needed anything. When you have known someone for nine years you grow a connection to them and they become more than what they were intended to be. Michael has never once given up on me or any of the other students but instead continued to push us to new heights.

This past December Michael and his loving wife, Lina, welcomed their beautiful daughter, Olivia, to this world. What was supposed to be a joyful time in their life quickly turned to heartbreak. Olivia was promised a place in this world even though she would be in and out of the hospital her first few years. However, God had a different plan for her and she was given the best 9 days of her life surrounded by her loving family. The impact Michael has had on the whole Taekwondo community has left us all feeling the impact of this tragic loss. Even though many of us never had the privilege of meeting Olivia, she will always be remembered and loved by the Cloverdale Black Belt Academy family.

During the time of Olivia’s birth the Bennett family spent eight days at Children’s Hospital and one day at Canuck Place, it was here where the Bennett family felt love and support from everyone working there. They helped the family deal with this great loss and made them feel loved. The hope of raising money in Olivia’s name is to give back to Canuck Place so they can continue to help families in the same way they helped the Bennett family during this hard time. This fundraiser has been set up to have all proceeds going directly to the Canuck Place.

More information about Canuck Place Children's Hospice: Canuck Place is BC's pediatric palliative care provider for children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them. Our team of physicians, nurses, counsellors, therapists, staff and volunteers provide medical respite care, pain and symptom management, art, music and recreation therapy, end-of-life care, grief, loss and bereavement counselling-- all at no cost to families.