Image: GoFundMe, via Jenni McGrew / A GoFundMe has been launched to help support the parents of a young boy who drowned Thursday night at Cultus Lake and was subsequently air lifted to Children's Hospital in Vancouver. The organizer behind the GoFundMe campaign, Jenni McGrew, says the young boy is currently in the "care and watch of incredible doctors and nurses on staff" at Children's Hospital.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

GoFundMe for drowning victim's family

GoFundMe launched for drowning victim’s family

Jun 2, 2023 | 5:51 PM

CHILLIWACK — A GoFundMe campaign has been activated to help support the parents of a little boy who drowned Thursday night at Cultus Lake and was air lifted hours later to B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

According to the fundraising campaign’s post started by the boy’s great aunt, Jenni McGrew, the fundraising campaign on GoFundMe is meant to provide the family with financial support as their stay in Vancouver could be longer than anticipated.

“This could be a longer stay than anticipated for the Hope family so your support is super helpful and appreciated to help make the load feel a little lighter,” McGrew wrote.

At around 6 p.m. on Thursday evening (June 1), the 3-year-old boy drowned near main beach at Cultus Lake, prompting an emergency response from Cultus Lake firefighters who attempted to resuscitate him. Later, an air ambulance arrived at Cultus Lake Community School to transport the boy to hospital.

“He was immediately airlifted to Children’s Hospital where he remains under the watch and care of the incredible doctors and nurses on staff,” McGrew wrote on GoFundMe. “Ryah also remains covered by the many prayers of his parents, family, friends and people around our province and nation. We are standing to see a miracle for his full recovery.”

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Parents Cam and Natalie have been staying in a rented room while they hope for a miracle.

“If you are able to support them financially at this time we are collecting funds to help pay for their hotel this week and any food expenses they incur,” McGrew wrote. “We’ve rented them a room with a kitchenette so they’re able to prepare meals and eat as healthy as possible to sustain themselves for the long run if need be. Your encouragement has been such a strength. From the bottom of our heart our entire family humbly says, ‘thank you.'”

As of Friday night at 5:45 p.m., $7,402 of the initial goal of $4,500 had been raised.

“We go together, not alone,” McGrew wrote.

The GoFundMe link can be found here.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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GoFundMe launched for drowning victim’s family

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