A small ceremony took place at city hall Saturday morning to allow volunteers to hand over donations raised in the past week for Victor Yu, who lost his wife in childbirth at Richmond Hospital.
A fundraising campaign was launched after her death to help Yu raise their new-born daughters and five-year-old son.
A group was also formed to offer volunteer work to help take care of the children.
As of Thursday, April 12, $120,225 has been raised, including $105,440 from individuals and $14,785 from the Po Lam Buddhist Association.
“I and my wife planned a beautiful future, but it was suddenly stopped. I really didn’t know how to go on,” said Yu between sobs.
“But now I’ve seen so many friends stepping in to help me. I must be able to hold on for my kids and my parents who lost their daughter. I will move on; I promise.”
Yu said that after being advised by a psychologist, he has told his son about his mom’s death.
Coun. Chak Au, who was at the ceremony, said he has seen the spirit of the community.
“The problem this family faced is not something that can be solved in the short-term,” said Au.
“They will continue to need everyone’s help. I hope people will continue to support and help the family.”
A separate GofundMe campaign (GoFundme.com/Support-Single-Dad-and-His-Children) has been set up to support Yu and his children. It has raised more than $15,000 to date.
