Family of drowned toddler starts fundraising campaign
Two-year-old Mission girl died last week after wandering away from home daycare
The little girl who died in an accidental drowning after wandering away from a Mission daycare will be remembered for her lively personality and fiery ginger hair, a family member said.
Selena Chabara, who was a month shy of turning two, was the subject of a frantic search at a licensed home daycare May 23. She was found unresponsive in the swimming pool of a neighbouring home.
Selena’s grandmother, Shannon Porter, said the toddler’s family remains in shock. Parents Sean Chabara and Mercedes Uhrin “are not good,” she said. “Very saddened.”
Porter described her granddaughter as a smart, lively child who loved animals, especially dogs, and “ate everything.”
She was “the most amazing granddaughter anyone could ever ask for,” she said.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by a family friend quickly surpassed its initial goal of $25,000. By Tuesday it had raised more than $38,000. The funds will go toward expenses associated with Selena’s death.
“The world unexpectedly lost the most beautiful little soul,” said the GoFundMe page.
“Selena was a healthy, fiery and loving little girl who was taken from this world tragically and far too soon.”
Porter said the family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support, and for the donations.
“This will give the children time to grieve and not worry about things. The community has been so supportive.”
The Fraser Health Authority immediately suspended the licence of the daycare, listed as Melissa’s Bright Beginnings, after the incident. The daycare was issued its licence in September 2017.
In January, a surprise visit by an inspector identified a number of violations, including having too many children under age three. The report also highlighted concerns about supervision challenges because of the space’s layout.
In April, the health authority received a complaint related to noise and supervision.
The owner committed to address issues in both instances.
The toddler’s death is under investigation by Mission RCMP, Fraser Health and the B.C. Coroners Service.