MAPLETON – A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the Elmira family affected by Friday evening’s devastating collision in Mapleton Township that claimed the lives of five children.
Emergency crews were called to the intersection of Wellington Road 12 and 4th Line shortly after 7:30 p.m. Friday, following a collision involving a van and an SUV.
Five children — four girls and one boy, ranging in age from four to 12 years old — who were related were killed in the crash.
Police say four adults and one infant suffered serious injuries and remain in the hospital. The driver of the SUV was also transported to the hospital with serious injuries and remains under medical care.
The GoFundMe fundraiser was created by family member Nancy Doerksen, who described the overwhelming loss facing the family.
“My family is living through a tragedy that no one should ever have to face. In a devastating accident, we lost five precious children who were deeply loved by all of us. The heartbreak and grief are beyond words, and our family is trying to navigate an unimaginable reality while supporting one another through this painful time.
As we mourn the loss of these beautiful children, our family is also facing a long road ahead. Our mom remains in the hospital suffering from multiple injuries, including injuries to her kidney, liver, gallbladder, broken ribs and pelvic bone, along with extensive bruising and trauma. At this time, we are unsure how long her recovery will take.”
Doerksen said the family’s youngest brother also remains in the hospital recovering from injuries sustained in the collision, while their father is also recovering.
“Our youngest brother is also still in the hospital receiving care and recovering from his injuries, and our dad, who is also recovering from injuries sustained in the accident, will need support as he cares for our family and helps everyone through the difficult days, weeks, and months ahead.
We have created this fundraiser to help ease the financial burden facing our family, including funeral expenses, travel costs, lost income, and the many unexpected needs that come with such a tragic loss. This support will allow our family to focus on healing, recovery, and being together during this incredibly difficult time.”
Support has poured in from across Ontario and Canada following the collision, including messages from Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Prime Minister Carney also offered his condolences.
Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz said the loss has deeply affected the community.
Support has also come from emergency responders, including Mapleton Fire & Rescue.
Meanwhile, the Ontario Provincial Police is launching its new “Stop. Look. Live.” campaign from June 15 to 21 to address ongoing concerns surrounding serious and fatal intersection collisions across the West Region.
Wellington County OPP say Friday’s collision in Mapleton Township was not connected to the creation or timing of the campaign, but noted the tragedy underscores the importance of safe driving behaviours at intersections.
The investigation into the collision remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information, including dash camera footage, that could assist investigators is asked to contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
More information about the fundraiser is available through the family’s GoFundMe page.
