When I first launched Maison Ellie, I knew designing inspiring family interiors was only part of the story I wanted to tell.
From the very beginning, I felt drawn to do work that makes a positive difference.
Supporting specific children’s foundations felt like the most natural fit for that.
Today, I want to pull back the curtain on Maison Ellie’s give-back story with these special organizations.
My Personal “Why”
Parenthood changes everything.
The vulnerability that comes with caring for a child opens your eyes to just how much we ALL need environments that offer comfort and peace.
And as someone who really loves making homes more wonderful and functional for families, the decision to give my time and resources to foundations that support kids during their most difficult seasons of life felt like an organic extension of that.
Toronto’s SickKids Foundation was where I first started giving a portion of Maison Ellie’s revenue each year. But when my family and I moved to Ottawa in 2021 to build our dream home, being part of a new community made me want to deepen my roots here. So I expanded my commitment to include the CHEO Foundation.
Since then, my perspective on design itself has changed – for the better. My work has become about so much more than making things look pretty. It’s emotional, empathetic, and healing. Every colour choice, every texture, and every piece of furniture is purposeful and has the ability to soothe and support.
The most beautiful part of this whole experience has been the connections it’s created. Whenever I talk about the giving our clients make possible, I’m amazed by how many Maison Ellie families and followers have their own stories with these very organizations. The way they open their hearts and share their gratitude continues to inspire me to do more.
About SickKids Foundation
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is Canada’s most research-intensive hospital and the largest pediatric healthcare center in the country.
What resonates most is SickKids’ commitment to creating healing environments within their hospital settings. They understand that the tangible environment plays an important role in patient care and family well-being, which aligns perfectly with my belief in the positive influence of thoughtful design.
About CHEO
The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) is a premier pediatric healthcare center providing specialized services to children and youth across Eastern Ontario.
CHEO is all about making their spaces feel less like sterile hospitals and more like places where families can actually breathe and find some comfort when things get tough. It’s exactly how I think about designing homes. They know that healing isn’t just about treating the body; you’ve got to take care of the whole person.
Sponsored Projects: Design Dreams Come True
While I continue to donate each year to the recipients above, I’ve gratefully expanded into hands-on design work that allows me to use my creative vision to make a positive impact.
The following projects represent some of Maison Ellie’s most meaningful work to date:
For Little Monkeys Project
This collaboration with For Little Monkeys Charity involved designing a space for a neurodivergent child. We carefully considered sensory needs and functionality to create an environment that would genuinely support sweet R’s life.
Working with the family to understand his strengths and likes reminded me why I fell in love with design in the first place – its power to make worlds better.
Make-A-Wish Foundation Project
For the latest sponsored project, I’ve teamed up with Make-A-Wish-Foundation to design a bedroom for a brave 12-year-old girl. While you’ll have to stay tuned for the finished space, I can tell you the initial concepts are a dream. Every detail is being considered through the lens of what will bring her the most joy, rest, and whimsy.
Giving Is Receiving
The more love we pour out – through time, resources, attention to others’ needs – the more life gives back. Typically not in ways that are easy to measure or count, but in ways that make life richer and more fulfilling.
I’m so proud to be part of a community that creates more hope, inspiration, and belonging for ALL families. “Thank you” will never be enough to express my gratitude to those who continue to support me in this mission.
For donation inquiries and more information about how we can work together to create inspiring spaces that make a difference, please reach out.
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