Mayor Henry Braun and Abbotsford council presented the founders of the Abby Strong fundraising campaign with a cheque for $8,305.75 at Monday’s council meeting.
The campaign has been selling T-shirts and stickers to support the family of Letisha Reimer, who died in a stabbing attack at Abbotsford Senior Secondary, and that of her best friend, who was injured in the same attack and cannot be named due to a court-ordered publication ban.
Of the money presented Monday, $5,000 came directly from the city, with the remainder garnered from the sale of T-shirts and stickers.
“These T-shirts represent the strength of our community in the face of a tragedy,” Mayor Henry Braun said, as he presented the cheque to organizers Joshua and Gina Vanderheide and their children. Braun credited the Vanderheides with helping the community respond with hope in face of tragedy.
So far, around $17,500 has been raised, which includes money to supply T-shirts to all Abby Senior students and staff. Organizers still have 800 shirts left. They are available for sale at Spruce Collective, Field House Brewing, Whatcom Wine and Spirits, and Highstreet’s customer service.