The family of murdered Toronto teen Stefanie Rengel has begun a bracelet campaign to honour the girl's spirit, with proceeds going towards various causes and an achievement award in Stefanie's name.
"She'd be so honoured, she'd be so proud that people loved her so much," the girl's stepmother, Maureen Rengel, said through tears in her first media interview since the New Year's Day slaying.
"She's was an amazing girl. There were so many people that didn't get to know her, and it's unfortunate, and I cherished the moments I had with her. Looking back on it now, it meant so much to me."
The words "In Loving Memory of Stefanie Rengel" are engraved on the violet-colored wristbands. Purple was Stefanie's favourite colour.
The bracelets cost $5 and can be purchased on eBay or Facebook, or by emailing rememberingstefanie@hotmail.com. Proceeds of the sales will go to support Kids Help Phone, art classes at Stefanie's church and a Stefanie Rengel Achievement Award at her high school.
Family friend Andrew Gronross and two other colleagues came up with the bracelet fundraiser initiative.
"We figured that doing something small might not help ease the pain, but just make it better for (her parents) and (their) family," Gronross said.
Stefanie was stabbed and left to die in a snow bank near her East York home on the evening of Jan. 1.
An 18-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl are each charged with first-degree murder in the death.
Prosecutors allege the boy lured Stefanie out of her home with a phone call and then stabbed her six times. The Crown says the accused girl convinced the boy to carry out the grisly attack, with the motive being jealousy. Stefanie's friends allege the murder was the result of a love-triangle.
Both accused remain in custody while they await their trials.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Jim Junkin
