#TorontoStrong Fund surpasses $1M in donations for van attack victims

The city of Toronto was rocked this Monday, following the incomprehensible van attack in North York that claimed the lives of 10 innocent pedestrians and injured 14 others.

And in a time of such uncertainty and sorrow, the people of Toronto haven’t let their pain divide them, instead, they’ve used it to bring them together.

From sharing comforting messages and planning public vigils to setting up memorials and raising money to support the victims of the attack, Toronto has proven just how strong it really is.

In response to this week’s tragedy on Yonge Street, the City of Toronto and Toronto Foundation established the #TorontoSrong Fund to raise money to support those affected by the tragedy.

As of Friday morning, the #TorontoStrong Fund has well surpassed over $1 million in donations.

We’re excited to announce that as of this morning, the #TorontoStrong Fund, started by @TorontoComms has surpassed $1M. Funds have been raised through personal donations, as well as many generous corporate donations. We’re also excited to announce a partnership with @NZFCanada! pic.twitter.com/NLROMXi3IG

— Toronto Foundation (@TorontoFdn) April 27, 2018

“The horrific events of April 23 have shown the world how Toronto responds to tragedy. We are united in grief and the desire to support those affected by Monday’s attack,” said Mayor John Tory.

“Through the generosity and outpouring of support from individual donors, corporate citizens and community organizations, the City of Toronto’s partnership with the Toronto Foundation to create the #TorontoStrong Fund has now raised more than $1 million.”

Donations of all sizes poured in from individuals and businesses, including Bell Canada, BMO Financial Group, LCBO, TD Bank, RBC, CIBC, Holt Renfrew, Shopify, Rogers, CN Rail, and more.

Toronto Foundation has also partnered with Canada Zakat, a project of DawaNet, which was the first to launch a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe in the aftermath of the tragedy.

DawaNet has already raised close to $200,000 on GoFundMe, and all donations from this campaign will be donated to the #TorontoStrong Fund.

Additionally, Rogers is facilitating a text-to-donate campaign through its Mobile Giving Foundation.

Those interested in supporting the #TorontoStrong Fund can now donate $5, $10, $20 or $25 by texting TORONTO to 80100.

After texting 80100, donors will receive a text asking them to indicate the amount they wish to donate, as well as a confirmation text.

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