Victims of van attack to receive donations from #TorontoStrong fund
TORONTO (CP) — The families of those killed and injured in last week’s van attack in Toronto will soon see some of their expenses covered as $500,000 in donations is distributed from a fund set up to support those affected by the tragedy.
City officials say the #TorontoStrong fund, which was established following the attack, has raised more than $2.5 million in donations.
They say the initial $500,000 will be transferred to Victim Services Toronto to cover families’ funeral expenses, travel, accommodation and other immediate costs incurred following the tragedy.
Ten people were killed and 16 others were injured when a rental van mounted a sidewalk along a bustling street in north Toronto and ran down pedestrians in its path.
Alek Minassian, 25, of Richmond Hill, Ont., has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and 13 counts of attempted murder, with another three attempted murder charges expected.
A committee established to determine the allocation of the #TorontoStrong funds has been tasked with identifying recipients and directing the donations for the greatest impact possible.
“We will work with our partners to ensure this fund is distributed in a thoughtful, impactful and accountable manner and thank all those who continue to support our city through donations,” Mayor John Tory said Friday.
Donations have also continued to come in through a partnership with Canada Zakat. A GoFundMe campaign set up by the organization has raised approximately $220,000 to support the families and victims of the attack.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy,” said Junaid Sohail of Canada Zakat. “Together, Toronto is strong.”