Fundraiser for families of Humboldt Broncos tragedy tops $4M goal

An online fundraiser organized for the families affected by the Humboldt Broncos tragedy has surpassed its $4 million goal less than 48 hours after it was created.

Fifteen people were killed and 14 more were injured Friday evening when a semi-trailer truck T-boned a bus carrying the junior hockey team to a playoff game in Western Canada.

Sylvie Kellington, a woman from Humboldt, Saskatchewan whose son played for the youth version of the Broncos this season, created the GoFundMe page shortly after news of the devastating crash sent shockwaves through the hockey community.

By Sunday, tens of thousands of donors had helped Kellington reach her goal, while money continues to pour in.

“There are no words that could express the incredible support the hockey community has seen here,” she wrote Sunday night. “Almost 60,000 people from almost 60 countries around the world have heard our story and were moved to help. Thank you to everyone for your kindness and prayers, your donations, and for sharing this GoFundMe far and wide. More updates to come.”

As of Monday morning, the site has raised over $4.8 million from more than 70,000 people. The page says that “money will go directly to families to help with any expenses incurred.”

Family, friends remember the Humboldt Broncos:

Some of the biggest donations have come from NHL teams, many of whom paid tribute to the victims in pregame ceremonies over the weekend. The Pittsburgh Penguins donated $20,000, while the Calgary Flames, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Chicago Blackhawks Alumni Association each gave $10,000. Los Angeles Kings star Dion Phaneuf also contributed $10,000.

GoFundMe Canada spokespoerson Rachel Hollis told ESPN on Sunday that the fundraising campaign is “the largest campaign to date in Canada and is now one of GoFundMe’s top five largest campaigns globally.”

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