By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
More than 10 years after her passing, Ashley Doucet’s legacy endures.
The 21-year-old who died in a car accident in 2013 is the inspiration behind Ashley’s Place – a charity that continues to help those in need.
Founded by Ashley’s mother Kim Doucet just three months after her daughter’s death, the Tilbury charity is going strong after a decade. It supports many initiatives, including putting together much-needed care packages for C-K youth aging out of foster care.
Mom Kim says the project would be near and dear to her daughter’s heart. Ashley was an early childhood educator and a child and youth worker who cared deeply about those she met along the way.
One day while she was working at a group home, Kim said Ashley came home concerned about a teenager she was working with that was turning 18 and had to leave the home.
“Ashley didn’t feel she was ready to be on her own,” said Kim.
Shortly thereafter, Kim heard of a project undertaken by a group of local high school students who were assembling baskets for foster care kids aging out of the system. Kim and her volunteers jumped on board and they’ve been putting the baskets together ever since.
“It’s a cherished project,” Kim said. “It’s the only one where we purchase new items to give to youth.”
A pillow, a multi-purpose screwdriver, soap, a toilet brush, towels and dish cloths, some new cookware, plus handmade pillowcases and a cozy knitted blanket are some of the items contained in a brand-new laundry basket for young people setting up a new home.
Ashley’s Place volunteer Sherry Ouellette said she’s certain “Ashley would definitely be proud of her mom.”
A total of seven baskets were delivered to Linck recently, and according to children’s services worker Courtaney Allemeersch, the donations are very helpful.
“They are very well received by the young people,” Allemeersch said. “They are very appreciative of the support.”
Ashley’s Place continues to serve as a beacon of hope in the community, thanks to committed volunteers.
Today the Queen Street non-profit centre offers a number of outreach programs. It’s a warming and cooling centre, it offers inexpensive clothing in its New to Me Boutique and also provides a welcome respite for people to rest, sleep and do laundry during the day. Saturdays are Friendship Soup Days, where volunteers serve soup and deliver it to people in the community.
As well, free Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are prepared and served, and “blessing bags” for those facing an emergency are distributed.
In 2018, a cafe featuring ice cream and coffee was opened at Ashley’s Place and its profits are poured back into programming. Plus, their licensed kitchen offers a weekly cooking class and a variety of baked goods, including items such as cabbage rolls that can be pre-ordered.
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