Skip to content

Online fundraiser could overshoot goal by 20-fold

Donations continue to pour in for Beckett family from across Canada, U.S.
48775goldstreamGNG-GoFundMelarge
Car enthusiasts Leigh Gavin

Six friends who wanted to lend a helping hand to Sarah Beckett’s family are blown away by the amount of money they’ve raised so far.

As of the Gazette’s press deadline, the GoFundMe page dedicated to raising money for Beckett’s husband and two young sons was close to $82,000, with 1,360 people donating so far.

Kayla Reid didn’t personally know Beckett, the West Shore RCMP constable who was on duty when she was killed in a crash April 5.

But Reid said she and friends Deanna Jennings, Devon Sellick, Nick Costos, Brooke Houston and Leigh Gavin – all are members of local car clubs – were profoundly moved by the tragic event and decided to set up the online fundraiser as a way to help out.

“It’s just something we wanted to do that we hoped would make a difference,” said Reid, a 21 year old Langford resident.

“We wanted to give back to the men and women that protect the streets we all have the privilege of driving on.”

Although Reid has no connections to law enforcement, Costos’ sister is married to a West Shore RCMP member and Gavin’s father served at the detachment in Langford as well.

While the friends initially set a goal of $5,000, Reid said they’ve been shocked by the public’s reaction and generosity as the total raised continues to grow.

“We thought $5,000 would be a start to helping the family,” said Reid, who works as a legal secretary. “None of us ever expected it to hit close to $70,000 in 48 hours. We just can’t believe how it took off.”

Reid has received comments and donations from members of Beckett’s family and friends from across Canada and the U.S., as well as messages and money from many people who didn’t know Beckett at all.

The group is planning a barbecue at Fountain Tire at 2924 Jacklin Rd. in Langford this Sunday (April 17) from 4 to 6:30 p.m. to enable more people to get involved with helping Beckett’s family. Reid said that event has prompted even more community support, with numerous sponsors providing hot dogs, burgers, buns, chips, cookies, cotton candy and pop for free so that all proceeds can go to the family.

To donate online, simply do a combined search for gofundme and Sarah Beckett.

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com