When 16 people aboard the bus of the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team died as a result of a horrific crash on April 6, our nation was devastated.
There’s nothing that can be done to assuage the collective sense of loss or the unimaginable grief of those personally affected by the tragedy.
But Canadians from coast to coast to coast rallied nonetheless, providing support in any way possible. The #SticksOutForHumboldt and #JerseysForHumboldt campaigns provided an avenue for all of us who felt helpless in the face of such a catastrophe.
At our home, our two daughters helped out with both campaigns. They’re too young to fully comprehend the situation and it was heart-wrenching watching their little minds trying to make sense of how something so awful could happen to so many people at such a young age.
In moments like these, there are no satisfactory explanations a parent can provide (none of us can make any sense of it).
Ironically, it was one of their classmates who provided for them the most intelligible explanation about the crash victims: “some went to the hospital and some went to heaven.”
Many of us, though not personally involved, will continue to struggle with the loss for some time.
What often hits home is that such a crash could happen to any of us. We’ve all been on a bus at one point or another and anyone who has played Sports at a competitive level has been through many journeys alongside teammates they consider family.
In response to the tragedy, staff at Keltech Signs, a Fergus business affiliated with the Advertiser, decided they needed to do something to help out the Broncos and the Humboldt community.
Led by graphic designer Erin Holmes and with help from a supplier, Keltech started a fundraiser that surpassed all expectations.
They distributed Broncos decals to the local community, across the province and even into the U.S., for a minimum $2 donation. As of Tuesday, almost 3,900 decals were distributed and close to $10,000 was raised (they’re available until Friday). Many people appreciated making a small gesture that could be a big help.
To be honest, while impressed with the success of the fundraiser, I wasn’t totally shocked. Time and time again, this community, much like this country, has rallied in support of others in need.
Thanks for your help this time around. I know it’s been a tough couple weeks.
