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Elijah Marsh funeral costs aided by Toronto crowdfunder
Makeshift memorial honours 'shy little boy' with 'really cute smile'
CBC News Posted: Feb 20, 2015 9:45 AM ET Last Updated: Feb 20, 2015 4:11 PM ET
Toronto man behind a crowdfunding campaign for the funeral of Elijah Marsh says he's grateful donations are pouring in to help the family of the three-year-old, who died after wandering from an apartment and spending hours outside in the cold.
Elijah is shown on video-camera footage leaving the apartment building where he was staying with family at about 4 a.m. ET on Thursday. He was wearing a T-shirt, diaper and boots. He was found without vital signs just a few hundred metres from the apartment building, and was pronounced dead in hospital.
A makeshift memorial, adorned with teddy bears, flowers and candles has been building at the spot where Elijah Marsh's body was found on Thursday. (Michael Cole/CBC)
"This could have been my child. This could have been a friend's child. This could have been anybody's child, and I think that's why this story has touched so many people and that's why we've seen the support that we've seen," he said on CBC News Network.
"As parents, we go to the ends of the Earth to protect our children and we'll do anything to keep them safe," said Kozuch, whose son is the same age as Elijah.
Kozuch said he aimed to raise $20,000 when he started the campaign on Thursday. As of 4:00 p.m. ET on Friday, more than $110,000 has been raised and the campaign doesn't close until Sunday at 5 p.m.
"One person remarked on Twitter yesterday, 'Cold faces, warm hearts,' and I feel that really encapsulates the reaction that we've all seen from this story that touched so many people."
Kozuch told CBC News he has not yet spoken with the Marsh family. However, he has their contact information and will attempt to speak with someone from the family in the coming days to ensure "an expedient transfer of funds."
All of the money, no matter how much is raised, will go the family, Kozuch said.
Some contributors shared their thoughts after making a donation.
"This broke my heart," said Jennifer Yearwood. "It's the least I could do for that sweet little boy, Elijah."
"The generosity of people in times of such great loss and tragedy is heartwarming," said Dawn MacDonald. "God bless Elijah. You are now with the angels dear little man."
Expressions of grief have gone beyond monetary donations to the campaign. A makeshift memorial with teddy bears, candles and flowers was set up Thursday night at the spot where Elijah was found.
"He has the sweetest little smile," said Milly Dyer a neighbour, who said she used to see Elijah in the parking lot and wave to him.
"He's a shy little boy, but he has a really cute smile."
Very sad story...Rest in peace Elijah
Makeshift memorial honours 'shy little boy' with 'really cute smile'
CBC News Posted: Feb 20, 2015 9:45 AM ET Last Updated: Feb 20, 2015 4:11 PM ET
Toronto man behind a crowdfunding campaign for the funeral of Elijah Marsh says he's grateful donations are pouring in to help the family of the three-year-old, who died after wandering from an apartment and spending hours outside in the cold.
Elijah is shown on video-camera footage leaving the apartment building where he was staying with family at about 4 a.m. ET on Thursday. He was wearing a T-shirt, diaper and boots. He was found without vital signs just a few hundred metres from the apartment building, and was pronounced dead in hospital.
- Elijah Marsh's death a tragic reminder of the unpredictability of children
- Elijah Marsh, 3-year-old boy who went missing, mourned in Toronto
- #RIPElijah: Canadians share outpouring of grief after death of toddler
A makeshift memorial, adorned with teddy bears, flowers and candles has been building at the spot where Elijah Marsh's body was found on Thursday. (Michael Cole/CBC)
"This could have been my child. This could have been a friend's child. This could have been anybody's child, and I think that's why this story has touched so many people and that's why we've seen the support that we've seen," he said on CBC News Network.
"As parents, we go to the ends of the Earth to protect our children and we'll do anything to keep them safe," said Kozuch, whose son is the same age as Elijah.
Kozuch said he aimed to raise $20,000 when he started the campaign on Thursday. As of 4:00 p.m. ET on Friday, more than $110,000 has been raised and the campaign doesn't close until Sunday at 5 p.m.
"One person remarked on Twitter yesterday, 'Cold faces, warm hearts,' and I feel that really encapsulates the reaction that we've all seen from this story that touched so many people."
Kozuch told CBC News he has not yet spoken with the Marsh family. However, he has their contact information and will attempt to speak with someone from the family in the coming days to ensure "an expedient transfer of funds."
All of the money, no matter how much is raised, will go the family, Kozuch said.
Some contributors shared their thoughts after making a donation.
"This broke my heart," said Jennifer Yearwood. "It's the least I could do for that sweet little boy, Elijah."
"The generosity of people in times of such great loss and tragedy is heartwarming," said Dawn MacDonald. "God bless Elijah. You are now with the angels dear little man."
Expressions of grief have gone beyond monetary donations to the campaign. A makeshift memorial with teddy bears, candles and flowers was set up Thursday night at the spot where Elijah was found.
"He has the sweetest little smile," said Milly Dyer a neighbour, who said she used to see Elijah in the parking lot and wave to him.
"He's a shy little boy, but he has a really cute smile."
Very sad story...Rest in peace Elijah