BUS CRASH TOUCHES ALL OF US

The response to the tragic death of 15 people aboard the Humboldt Broncos’ bus on Friday has been heartwarming. Such a heavy loss is certain to touch people not only in the small, tight-knit Saskatchewan community, but far beyond.

The fact that most of the dead were young hockey players with their lives ahead of them — and several of their teammates face a difficult road to recovery — has elicited tremendous sorrow.

Canadians, and indeed, people from around the world, have come together to grieve and honour the victims, as well as to support their families in touching ways.

A GoFundMe campaign has raised about $9 million from supporters in 65 countries; much of the money donated in small amounts, such as $10 or $20.

Sylvia Kellington started the online campaign and says immediate expenses such as funerals are just part of what she expects the victims’ families to spend the money on.

“I know there will probably be rehab costs and home renovations that need to be done for some of the players and, I mean, I don’t know exactly where that will end,” she told CBC.

She also hopes there are funds to create a foundation to support all 12 teams in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

Expressions of condolence are being displayed with more than money. Tributes and fundraisers are being held throughout the country.

A vigil will be held Friday to honour injured player Ryan Straschnitzki from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at Chinook Winds Park in Airdrie.

“A lot of people in Airdrie are still kind of walking around aimlessly a bit, not really sure what they can do, or how they can get involved, and wanting to just have some form of an outlet,” said Cody Thompson, Straschnitzki’s boxing coach.

A jersey day initiative was started in B.C. and has spread, with many people in Alberta signalling their intention to wear their hockey sweaters to school or work on Thursday in support of the Humboldt Broncos.

As well, caring people have taken to leaving hockey sticks on their front porches to pay tribute to the victims of the crash.

Calgary’s Trevor Ollen was among the first to post about the #putyourstickout trend on social media after he and his five-year-old son placed a hockey stick on their porch Saturday night.

They left the light on so the simple, but touching memorial was visible to passersby.

“It was really a teaching moment for us to talk to our children about loss and how, when you’re in a moment like this, what can you really do? You can make donations for these families, but a kid doesn’t make a donation,” Ollen said.

“This is something that kids could do to feel like they’re making a difference and showing solidarity with the people of Humboldt.”

The lost lives have impacted Canadians deeply.

Broncos defenceman Logan Boulet died from injuries sustained in the crash, but he was kept on life-support so his organs could be used to make others well. Six people will benefit from the Lethbridge athlete’s organs, with the rest being donated to science.

Boulet’s gift has prompted thousands of other Albertans to register as organ or tissue donors.

A celebration of Boulet’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Nicholas Sheran Ice Centre in Lethbridge.

The actions prompted by the deaths of 16 people won’t bring the loved ones back, and they won’t necessarily make the lives of those injured entirely whole.

But they do reflect that their passing and suffering has touched an entire planet.

At a grim time like this, there is some small measure of comfort in that.