It was an incident that shook Canadians from coast to coast: the moment a tractor-trailer collided with the Humboldt Bronco junior hockey team’s bus on April 6, killing 16 and wounding many others.
For Richmond mother Debbie Lee Jiang and her seven-year-old son, Graham, it was not only a moment to mourn, but to take action and show compassion. Together, they decided to organize a fundraiser for the families affected in Humboldt.
“We were all very moved by the vigil and we thought let’s do something, even if it’s very small,” Jiang said. “(Graham’s) goal was $100 and my goal was $1000 and it has exceeded both of our goals.”
In fact, after weeks of painting rocks with Broncos’ colours and messages of encouragement – 47 of which will be sent to the arena in Humboldt as a sign of support – Jiang and her son far surpassed their goal by raising just over $1700.
Over the weeks they were raising funds, the Richmond family placed rocks in local shops with donation cans, even taking one to their bank, Scotiabank Oakridge in Vancouver, which agreed to match what was raised.
For Jiang, the experience was an opportunity to teach Graham about giving back.
“He was all on board. He helped go to the bank with me, talk to the manager and he helped set up the displays, he’s being telling his friends about it,” she said. “He’s just thrilled. Yesterday he asked if we can one day go to Humboldt to see the rocks…he’s a very compassionate little guy.”
Now, Jiang is hoping to receive a final donation to cover shipping costs and will send the rocks and the funds to Humboldt as soon as possible. The $1700 will go to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Player Assistance, which was created to support hockey players in the aftermath of the crash.
For Graham, the lesson has been a valuable one.
“We believe and we told (Graham) it’s our way of helping someone and just showing care,” Jiang said.
