Twenty-five years ago, a quiet Barrie neighbourhood was shaken by an unimaginable tragedy — the loss of three young children during a game of hide-and-seek. Now, a woman who lived through that harrowing day is turning grief into compassion with a community campaign that’s changing lives.
“It was complete chaos at the scene,” recalls Amanda Patrick, who was just 13 years old at the time. “People were screaming… they said the kids were in the trunk.”
The children — Renee, and siblings Kambel and Pauly — were found in an antique cedar chest in Patrick's home. Due to its airtight design, Amanda said, "It is our understanding ... they did not try to escape, that they would have fallen asleep within four minutes because of the lack of air inside."
For years, the memory haunted the community. “I had actually walked past the trunk on my way to get changed that night, and I did not know that they were in there,” she said. “It’s an avoidable accident, but no one could have imagined.”
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The incident prompted international recalls of similar chests, with manufacturers urged to remove locks and drill air holes to prevent future tragedies.
Now, a quarter-century later, something extraordinary is blossoming from that heartbreak. On May 4, the day before the 25th anniversary, a private tribute event will be held to honour the children’s memory and the impact they’ve had since their passing.
Sunday’s event will bring together the families of the children, community supporters, and — she hopes — the first responders who were there that night.
“My plea to the Barrie community is to help me find these people,” she said. “Most of them have retired, but I would love for them to come as my guests. I think it would be very healing for them to see the families now — doing amazing things, and turning something tragic into something meaningful.”
Those with information about the first responders or wishing to support the campaign can email giftafamily@outlook.com or reach out on Instagram at @gift_a_family.
Two years ago, Patrick launched “Gift A Family,” a grassroots Christmas campaign that supports children who fall through the cracks of traditional holiday assistance programs. Named in memory of Renee, Campbell, and Polly, the initiative has raised over $200,000 and brought full holiday experiences — from gifts and trees to gingerbread houses — to 231 local kids.
