Giving Back and Honouring Her Daughter’s Life

You can hear deep emotion in Melanie Ehrlich’s voice as she talks about her daughter, Emily Maya, who passed away almost a year ago.

Melanie remembers Emily Maya’s love of nature, especially birds, and how she lit up any room she walked into. She says, “I want to share my daughter’s story to help other people struggling with recovery and keep pushing for better housing and support. Emily Maya was so vibrant and so funny, but she’d had a tough time growing up and dabbled in alcohol and cannabis.”

Over the years, Emily Maya’s substance use increased and her mental health spiralled. Her family tried to help, but she would disappear and live on the street. Finally, Melanie brought Emily Maya to Sandy Merriman House, a Cool Aid emergency shelter for women.

“Sandy Merriman House said ‘yes.’ The staff welcomed her with open arms. I’m so grateful for the support Emily Maya received there on her hardest days—and that she was safe and warm,” Melanie says.

To honour Emily Maya’s life and help other young women, Melanie finds comfort in giving back to Sandy Merriman House. As a long-time director of the Peninsula Players, she and her fellow troupe members raised more than $6,000 from their production, 3 Short Sketch Comedies. Melanie has also donated clothing and bedding to the shelter. “Whatever they need, I want to give,” she says.