Faces of OEC
Three beautiful souls taken too soon in a preventable tragedy. Their memory lives on through every life we protect, every family we equip, and every child we empower.
Olivia
Origins & Outreach
Olivia was full of joy, creativity, and kindness. Her love for art, dance, and helping others inspired everyone around her. At just 11 years old, she had a heart for service and a spirit that brightened every room. The "O" in OEC represents our Origins — where we came from, why we exist, and the unshakable commitment born from devastating loss.
We honor Olivia through our Fire Safety Outreach Program, providing families with comprehensive Fire Safety Boxes developed with local firefighters. These life-saving toolkits contain fire blankets, escape ladders, smoke detectors, and education materials. Every box we deliver is one more origin story that continues instead of ending too soon.
Edison
Education & Empowerment
Edison was curious, bright, and always eager to learn. His name, inspired by the great inventor, reflected his love of discovery and problem-solving. At 8 years old, he had an infectious enthusiasm for knowledge and a gentle soul that touched everyone he met. The "E" in OEC stands for Education — because awareness prevents tragedy and opportunity transforms lives.
We honor Edison through scholarships that help students at St. Laurence Catholic School and beyond pursue their dreams, fire safety education programs that teach families and children how to respond calmly in emergencies, and community workshops that build a foundation of knowledge saving lives today while creating opportunities for tomorrow.
Colette
Community & Compassion
Colette was sweet, loving, and brought warmth to everyone she met. At just 5 years old, her smile could light up a room, and her compassion touched hearts in ways far beyond her years. The "C" in OEC represents Community — the hands that help, the voices that spread awareness, and the collective strength that makes prevention possible.
We honor Colette through events like our annual Casino Night, volunteer drives, fire prevention supply distribution, and direct support for families facing hardship. Her spirit reminds us that together, we're building a world where every family is prepared, every community shows up for one another, and every precious moment is protected.
Their Story, Our Mission
On February 6, 2021, a preventable house fire took the lives of Olivia (age 11), Edison (age 8), and Colette (age 5). The tragedy shook our community and changed our family forever. In the United States, a home fire is reported every 93 seconds, leading to approximately 3,670 deaths annually — many in homes lacking basic fire safety equipment.
From unimaginable heartbreak came an unshakable commitment: no other family should endure what we have. The OEC Nguyen Foundation was born — not as a monument to loss, but as a living tribute to three beautiful children whose names now stand for action, hope, and protection. We've transformed pain into purpose.
Every life we touch, every family we protect, and every student we support carries forward the legacy of Olivia, Edison, and Colette. Their names live on through our work, and their memory fuels our mission to ensure no other family experiences this preventable tragedy. Together, we're saving lives and building a safer tomorrow.