Help Build Aidan's Playgound

On Father's Day of 2012, Littleton resident, Matt Mallio was diagnosed with leukemia and immediately hospitalized for chemo treatments. Less than 2 weeks after he was diagnosed his 10-month old son, Aidan, died in an accidental drowning in their back yard.

It has been a traumatic experience for the family. The good news is that Matt’s brother, Andy, was a stem cell match and he has recently passed his 100 day post-transplant.

To honor the memory of Aidan and to help the family heal, Aidan’s Aunt, Westford resident Kristi Bates, is bringing the community together.  Her goal is to rebuild the young children's section of an older, local playground called Castle In The Trees located in Littleton, MA. To date, the group has raised over $16,000 toward their $50,000 goal.  The hope is to raise all of the needed funds by August 2013, and have a community build and dedication by late September when Matt should be healthy enough to attend.   “We have several fundraisers planned including a gigantic yard sale! “, explains Bates.  

This yard sale idea won the O, The Oprah Magazine De-Clutter for a Cause Contest.  Along with O Magazine, Peter Walsh, professional organizer from TLC's Clean Sweep, will be hosting the huge yard sale event.   , the official name of the yard sale, is proving to be a fun-filled event with entertainment, raffles, an auction, food and of course loads of treasures for purchase.  People wishing to find new homes for any gently used items can donate them at Littleton Storage Solutions on May 18 from 9am – 2pm.  

Walsh will also be hosting an intimate meet and greet event at Mangia Mangia Italian Grille in Westford on Friday, May 31st. Tickets are available at the Castle In the Trees website and all proceeds benefit Aidan's Playground.  

In addition to the yard sale, many local restaurants have or are planning days where part of their proceeds will be donated to Aidan’s Playground.   Papa Gino’s in Westford held a fundraiser on April 26 raising $500, the second highest fundraiser to date for Westford Papa Gino’s.  On May 6, The Littleton Sub Shoppe & Pub held a fundraiser all day long raising over $1,100.  Not Your Average Joe’s in Acton, MA will be donating proceeds from those that bring in a flyer every Wednesday in June.

In the spirit of bringing the community together, the Together We Build project has been launched.  The website will showcase “great projects that our community is doing in honor of the memory of 10-month-old Aidan Mallio.”  From bake sales to business donations, the site asks people to “do the thing you love best to make a difference….. It couldn’t be easier. Do something you already love and be part of this community project. Whether you make $5, $25, or $50, it’s all important. We can do this together!”