A bus carrying a Canadian junior hockey team has reportedly killed 15 and injured 14 more after a collision with a semi truck on Friday in Saskatchewan. On Saturday, the country of Canada began mourning the loss of so many teenagers that played for the Humboldt Broncos.
Now, a GoFundMe account that will send the donations it receives to those affected by the crash has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in a matter of hours.
The campaign was begun by Sylvie Kellington, a Humboldt resident who said her son played for the club team last year.
She wrote, “As you know The Humboldt Broncos Junior A team was involved in a serious accident. Please help us raise money for the players and families affected. Money raised will go directly to families to help with any expenses incurred.”
Originally, the goal was $10,000.
As of this writing, more than $1.05 million has been raised by more than 14,000 people in 17 hours. The new goal is $2 million.
[Update 10:49am, April 8: As of this writing, more than $3.3 million has been raised with a new goal of $4 million.]
On Saturday, the country and the sport of hockey were in a state of shock and tears.
I cannot imagine what these parents are going through, and my heart goes out to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy, in the Humboldt community and beyond. https://t.co/2cIn2CTy08
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 7, 2018
Mike Babcock was clearly emotional when speaking about the Humboldt Broncos tragedy.
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 7, 2018
Here is what he had to say. pic.twitter.com/3XQkmtITG3
Teammates forever. #prayforhumbolt pic.twitter.com/rqx1nzbcka
— Peter Mansbridge (@petermansbridge) April 7, 2018
Stars head coach Ken Hitchcock opened his postgame interview with a message to the @HumboldtBroncos and those affected. https://t.co/0LS2IOwnAV
— y – Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 7, 2018
I saw the #MJvsSC game tonight but didn’t watch, heard it but didn’t listen. I can’t imagine what those close to the tragedy are enduring tonight. My heart is broken. #PrayersForHumboldt pic.twitter.com/cEsNWV0daR
— Crystal (@alaylm85) April 7, 2018
Backdrop in Leafs room this morning. pic.twitter.com/P26vKHRmkO
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) April 7, 2018
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to show the latest donation totals.