On April 6, tragedy struck the nation.
Sixteen members of the Humboldt Broncos were killed and more than a dozen were injured when their bus collided with a semi truck in Saskatchewan while on their way to a playoff game.
Since then, the entire country – including Greater Victoria and the West Shore – has rallied behind those who lost their lives, their families and those who are still fighting for their lives in hospital.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched shortly after and has raised more than $14.6 million as of Wednesday, making it one of the largest campaigns in its history. The outpouring of support has shown the world that we stand behind Canadians and it’s become a reminder that residents inherently want to give back – in one way or another.
And there are a number of ways for residents on the West Shore to give back. Today’s edition of the Gazette has several such stories.
After Luke Eilertsen’s grandpa was diagnosed with bone cancer, the Grade 12 Royal Bay Secondary student was inspired to grow his hair and raise funds for the B.C. Cancer Agency, where his grandpa received treatment. Now, three years later, Eilertsen is getting ready to cut off 16 inches of his hair and donate it to Wigs For Kids at B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.
Funds are also being raised this weekend as part of the third annual Sarah Beckett Memorial Cruise on Sunday in support of the fallen constable’s favourite program, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), which empowers youth with the critical thinking and life skills necessary to choose a drug-free life.
The Peninsula Streams Society is also raising funds to build a fish ladder to help fish access roughly eight kilometres of new habitat in the Millstream Creek.
And Westshore Towing owner Dave LeQuesne helped a resident in need by giving him a vehicle to get to work.
Giving back isn’t necessarily all about the amount of money raised, but showing those in need that we’re there to help. You’re not going it alone.