A GoFundMe page created five days ago by friends of Angela McKenzie has raised more than $100,000 of its initial $250,000 goal.
McKenzie, a mother of five, died when a minivan she was driving was struck by a speeding vehicle at the intersection of 36 Avenue and 17 Street SE on the night of May 10, according to police. Police also said that the crash came after two vehicles exchanged gunfire in an alleged road rage incident.
On May 16, Calgary police issued a Canada-wide warrant for Talal Amer, 29, in relation to the incident.
The fundraising page was started by family friend Amanda Robinson to give the public the opportunity to help out the family. Angela McKenzie left five children who will now be under the care of their grandmother, Sylvia McKenzie.
Sven Stuwe, family spokesperson, said when the news of McKenzie’s death broke, people began to reach out to help the family. This is when Robinson floated the idea of the GoFundMe page.
“The cost of raising kids is tremendous,” Stuwe said.
“They say on average, it’s about $180,000 to $200,000 for that 18-year lifespan of a child. And, you know, we’re talking [about] five.”
The donations will help in providing for the long-term cost of clothing, food and education for the children, ranging in age from nine to 17 years.
Mom provides statement
Angela’s mom, Sylvia McKenzie, issued a statement via the Calgary police earlier this week.
“Nobody expects to lose someone they love in an act so shocking it has people across Canada talking about it.
Angela was our beacon of light, a feisty defender of her family and children, and the most generous person we have ever known. She saw joy and hope where others only found struggle.
In our struggle to accept her death, Canadians, and especially Calgarians, have shown the Shaws and ourselves a grace and generosity that matches that of our beloved daughter, sister, and mother. We see the beautiful soul of our community blossoming from this ugly act, and we get to experience the dignity of the world the way Angela always experienced it.
Thank you all for that gift.”
Stuwe said, the five children are grieving their mother and are in a stage of confusion and shock.
“There’s anger, a lot of anger for what’s happened because they feel how deeply unfair this is,” he said.
Tuesday will be the first time McKenzie’s mother and brother will be able to see her since her death. Services for McKenzie will be this weekend.
To donate to the McKenzie family or get more information, see the GoFundMe page.
