Sharlene Bosma has announced the creation of a charity to support families of homicide victims in honour of her husband Timothy, who was murdered after taking two men to test drive a truck he was selling.
“I have learned that there is very little support for families in our situation. As such, I would like to help others who are so unfortunate to lose a loved one to homicide. “Tim's Tribute” has been created to honour my husband's memory,” Bosma said in a press release.
Initially, Tim’s Tribute will work with registered charity Christian Stewardship Services to assist families in the Hamilton area with everyday essentials including costs of burial, groceries, or anything else a family may need.
The charity will also help with the needs of families during the trial and could cover lost wages, and transportation costs.
The announcement comes on the day Dellen Millard and Mark Smich – both of whom have been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Tim Bosma – appeared briefly in a Hamilton court.
Millard appeared in court in person in the morning, while Smich appeared at 2 p.m. via video link.
Both are set to appear in court again on Sept. 12.
Bosma attended court and told reporters afterward that she feels it’s important to be a voice for her husband.
“He can’t be here to do it himself and I think as much as I possibly can, I want to be here to represent him,” she said.
Bosma also said the establishment of the charity has given her a sense of hope for the first time since her husband’s death.
“Sitting in the courtroom it’s going to be give me an idea of what’s to come in the future and what other people are going to be going through as well, so in whatever way that we can help that’s what I want to do,” she said.
Tim Bosma’s remains were found burnt beyond recognition at the south-western Ontario farm belonging to Millard eight days after he went missing on May 6.
On Aug. 9, there will be a memorial concert featuring the band Martha’s Trouble at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington. Tickets will cost between $23 and $28, with proceeds going toward the new charity.
Bosma also announced that the Tim Bosma Memorial Ride, which took place for the first time on June 23, will become an annual event with all proceeds going to Tim’s Tribute.
Those who wish to donate to Tim’s Tribute can do so using PayPal at www.timstribute.ca or by cheque to Christian Stewardship Services, Suite 214, 500 Alden Road, Markham, Ontario, L3R 5H5.
