A fundraising campaign launched in the wake of Monday’s deadly van attack on Yonge Street has surpassed the $1 million mark.
The #TorontoStrong Fund was launched by the non-profit Toronto Foundation on Wednesday following a request by the city and by noon on Friday the fund had already garnered $1.28 million in donations.
In a news release, Mayor John Tory said that the success of the campaign shows a city both “united in grief and the desire to support those affected by Monday’s attack,” which killed 10 people and injured 14 others.
Victim Services Toronto is expected to receive the first wave of money from the #TorontoStrongFund.
The Toronto Foundation says that it will then identify organizations that are engaged “in the ripple effect and aftermath of the attack,” who will receive money during the second phase of the dispersal of funds.
Finally, a third phase will focus on distributing money to charities who “work on the related social issues, their interconnections, and can play a role in prevention.”
Tory said that 21 corporations have donated to the #TorontoStrong Fund so far as well as numerous private citizens.
“The horrific events of April 23 have shown the world how Toronto responds to tragedy,” he said.
Vigil planned for Sunday
News of donations topping the $1 million mark comes as a Sunday vigil for victims of the Yonge Street attack draws near.
The vigil is planned for Mel Lastman Square at 7 p.m. on Sunday.
One of the organizers of the vigil told CP24 on Friday that it will be an opportunity for the entire community to come together and heal.
Rev. Alexa Gilmour from the Windermere United Church said that six different faith leaders will be presiding over the vigil in order to “represent and reflect the diversity that is here in the city.”
She said that various community members will be speaking but not any elected officials.
“This isn’t a moment for politicians and leaders that might otherwise speak,” she said. “This is a moment for everybody to see themselves reflected up on the stage.”
The city announced earlier on Friday that anyone wishing to donate to the #TorontoStrong fund can do so by texting TORONTO to 80100. After texting the number donors will receive a message asking them to indicate whether they would like to donate $5, $10, $20 or $25.