Fundraisers set up to support family of local fisherman Rajesh John
Hatters are rallying around the family of a local man found deceased earlier this week with donations to two fundraisers set up in his memory.
The remains of 35-year-old Medicine Hat resident Rajesh John were discovered by RCMP near the Lynx Creek Campground on Aug. 7 after John was declared missing when he failed to return home from an overnight fishing trip.
An avid fisherman and vlogger, a post for one fundraiser says John is remembered for his kindheartedness, community involvement and love for his family, which includes his three-year-old son and wife, who live in Medicine Hat, and his parents and sister, who live in India.
As John was the sole provider for his family, the two fundraisers have been set up to help cover the cost of his funeral, as well as other expenses his family expects to incur.
The first of the fundraisers is a GoFundMe set up by the Medicine Hat Malayali and Medicine Hat Hindu Associations, and John’s friends. The fundraiser has a total goal of $150,000. As of
Wednesday evening, over $46,000 in funds had been raised.
The second fundraiser is a virtual, 48-hour Facebook fundraising auction, which launches Saturday at 11 a.m. A variety of community-provided items are being auctioned, such as gift cards and household items, but the majority of items are related to John’s favourite hobby: fishing.
Individuals interested in taking part in the fundraising auction can do so by bidding in the comment section under each posted item. Bids start at $1. Shipping is not included in the final bid price.