The Maddie Project

“The brightest of stars are those who shine for the benefit of others.”

Sometimes a tragedy can be a catalyst for change. No one knows this better than Nicole German, who pushed through her grief to create The Maddie Project – a grassroots movement that has opened a new dialogue about youth mental health.

Established in April 2015, in memory of Madeline Grace German Coulter, The Maddie Project was founded with a mission that no other youth or their family should suffer through depression or mental health concerns without help. The Maddie Project is sparking conversations, raising awareness and transforming access to mental health care for youth and their families.

The Maddie Project is supporting North York General Hospital, in recognition of the care that Maddie received at our hospital. As the biggest community supporter of Phillips House, the future home of NYGH’s child and youth outpatient mental health programs, The Maddie Project is working to fulfill Maddie’s dream of improving the mental health care environments at NYGH.

Together with the Foundation, The Maddie Project raised over $1M to create Maddie’s Healing Garden – a 1.2 acre therapeutic garden that will honour Maddie’s memory and play a meaningful role in mental health treatment at Phillips House.

Support did not end when that fundraising goal was achieved. Today, The Maddie Project and its dedicated supporters, including Toronto French School, continue to raise funds for NYGH. Together, they have helped make several impactful upgrades to NYGH’s child and youth mental health program’s inpatient unit.

From pop-up shops to dance and fashion shows to corporate charity events, our community has come together to make a statement on the importance of mental health care for children and youth. But there is still so much more to do. With your support, we will fulfill Maddie’s wish beyond her imagination.