A pair of online fundraisers are looking to cover the expenses and recovery efforts for the families involved in a fatal crash just north of Waterloo Region, one that led to the deaths of five children from one Elmira home.
The two GoFundMe pages are listed for both the Doerksen and Biartsch families “to help ease the financial burden” of the tragic incident, ranging from funeral expenses and travel costs to lost family income and ongoing recovery efforts.
“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,” said Nancy Doerkson, the sister who organized one of the fundraising pages, whose family has been impacted by the loss of her five siblings.
“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.”
The incident itself happened on Friday, June 12, when a passenger van carrying the 10 family members and another SUV collided at an intersection in Mapleton.
“This is an unimaginable loss,” said OPP West Region Commander Chief Superintendent Dwight Thib, who provided updates during a press conference.
“On behalf of the Ontario Provincial Police, I extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, and the community during this incredibly difficult time.”
It led to the deaths of five children, ranging in age from 4 to 12 years old, also leaving five others injured, including an infant and the driver of the SUV.
“Our youngest brother has now been released from the hospital. Thankfully, his injuries were limited to a broken leg, and he is recovering well at home,” said Doerksen in an update on her family’s GoFundMe page.
“Our mom continues her recovery journey and is making slow but steady progress. She is still awaiting hip surgery and has a long road of healing ahead of her.”
While the Doerkson family has been heavily impacted by the collision, they aren’t the only family looking to raise funds while continuing to recover from the incident.
“We would also ask that you continue to keep the Bartsch family in your prayers,” Doerksen said.
“They were travelling in the same vehicle and were directly impacted by this tragedy. Mrs. Bartsch remains in the hospital but is stable and continuing her recovery.”
The fundraiser for the Doerksen family has currently raised over $300,000, with a total goal of $450,000. Meanwhile, the fundraiser for the Bartsch family has raised just over $27,000, with a goal of approximately $40,000.
“As they face the long road ahead, neither will be able to work for some time, and expenses such as household bills, travel costs, and other unexpected financial burdens will continue to grow,” said Wilhelm Peters, who organized the GoFundMe for the Bartsch family.
“We are asking our community to come together and support Peter and Elizabeth during this incredibly difficult season.”
The full list of details, including how to donate, can be found on both the Doerksen family GoFundMe and the Bartsch family GoFundMe pages.
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