After the tragic incident in a Squamish parking lot on Feb. 28 claimed the life of a toddler, the Rock Church has put together a fundraiser to support the family.
The two-year-old child died after being struck in the parking lot at Garibaldi Village Mall on Friday evening, according to Squamish RCMP. At about 6 p.m., RCMP and BC Ambulance were called to the parking lot after a woman and child were hit by a vehicle at 1900 Garibaldi Way. The incident happened in front of the mall grocery store as the pair were exiting and crossing the parking lot.
Five hours after the fundraiser was launched, it raised more than half of its $5,000 goal. The organizers increased the goal amount to help support the family and cover funeral costs.
The lead pastor of the Rock Church, Glenn Davies, told The Chief some of the congregation stepped forward to create the fundraiser.
"The majority of our church are young families,” he said. “They know this family is going to need help financially.
"The beauty of [the fundraiser] is it includes the community, it's not just our church. It's the whole community. They're all grieving."
Davies said he is not surprised by the generosity of Squamish.
"This community is an incredibly loving and giving, family-oriented community. I'm very proud of this community," he said. "As I'm sure they're probably feeling right now, nothing will bring their daughter back. I'm sure down the road ... hopefully it will bring healing when you know that you're not alone."
Families in the congregation organized the fundraiser with permission from the child’s family. The names of the family members have not been released.
Davies said he’d also like to thank all the first responders who helped, and acknowledged how difficult such a situation is on them as well.
The “” fundraiser can be found on GoFundMe.
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