The Kenora community had national attention last night as Sportsnet’s Ron MacLean and members of the Winnipeg Jets honoured the Joseph family, who lost their two children in a fatal collision near Dryden last week.
The Josephs were on their way to a hockey tournament in Thunder Bay on April 21 when they were involved in a three vehicle collision on the TransCanada highway just before 11 a.m., sending four to the hospital.
Sadly, two of the victims were pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital.
Callie was 15 and Evan was 11.
The family was planning on attending Game 4 in Winnipeg Monday night and photos of the family were shown at the Canada Life Centre before puck drop.
A GoFundMe was created to help the family with funeral costs and related expenses. It initially had a fundraising goal of $5,000, which was shattered within an hour as donations continued to pour in.
“As a community, we must come together to offer support, love, and comfort to those who have been affected by this tragedy,” wrote Grand Council Treaty #3. “[We] will continue to keep the Joseph family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of grief and loss.”
Prior to MacLean’s message Monday night, the campaign sat just above $53,000. And as of the time of writing, the fundraising campaign has now raised over $80,000 for the family.
You can find a link to donate HERE. All funds raised will go directly to the family.
A traditional wake is scheduled for 3 p.m. on April 26 with traditional funeral services on April 27 at 10 a.m. at David Kejick School in Iskatewizaagegan #39 First Nation.
