UPDATE: Over $173,000 raised in two days for family of three Brampton children killed in housefire
Published January 23, 2022 at 12:39 pm
A family affected by a recent tragedy in Brampton has seen a huge outpouring of support from the community, which has raised over $173,000 and counting as of Sunday, Jan. 23.
A GoFundMe was set up on Friday to raise money after three Brampton boys were pulled from a burning home and rushed to hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries on Thursday morning, Jan. 20.
The fire broke out at a townhouse complex on Ellis Dr. near Torbram Rd. and Clark Drive shortly after 9:00 a.m.
When first responders arrived on scene they were met with heavy smoke and found one of the townhomes was fully engulfed in flames, according to Peel Regional Police.
The three brothers dead from the fire were aged 9, 12 and 15 years old.
The GoFundMe was set up by local community group Malton Moms on behalf of the boys’ mother to help with rehousing, funeral costs and food.
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“On behalf of Malton Moms and the community, we extend our most heartfelt sympathy for this loss,” said Malton Moms. “The family is devastated and asking for help to rebuild their lives after this tragedy.”
The three brothers are survived by their mother and a 5-year-old brother, the group said in a post.
The fundraiser raised more than $56,000 by 1:00 p.m. on the day it was set up, and has now raised over $173,000 as of Sunday, more than tripling its goal of $50,000. Some individual donations are as high as $2,000.
Peel Regional Police Const. Akhil Mooken told reporters that the boy’s mother went to drop off another child at school and returned home “and discovered the home was engulfed in flames.”
He said police are not investigating the fire as “a neglect-type incident” and called the deaths “a tragic circumstance.”
The Ontario fire marshal’s office is investigating the cause, origin, and circumstance of the blaze.
News of the boy’s deaths led to a wave of support for the family from members of the Brampton community and beyond, with Mayor Patrick Brown saying he was heartbroken to learn the brothers did not survive the fire.
Brampton Fire Chief Bill Boyes and Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah offered their condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
The Peel District School Board said it was offering mental health support to the students and staff at Judith Nyman Secondary School, Earnscliffe Senior Public School and Eastbourne Drive Public School.
On Thursday evening, flags at all City of Brampton facilities were lowered to half-mast and the City Hal clock tower will be dimmed in memory of the three children.
“The city extends our deepest condolences to their friends and family and our entire community,” the city said in a post to Twitter.
With files from Ryan Rumbolt
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