Calgary DJs raise $24K to help pay for Blanchette funerals

Two radio DJs in Calgary have raised almost $25,000 in less than 24 hours to help the Blanchette family cover funeral costs for their son and and granddaughter.

On Monday, Terry Blanchette’s body was discovered by police in his home. His two-year-old daughter Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette was not at the scene and an Amber Alert was issued in an attempt to find her.

Police found Hailey’s remains in a rural area the next day.

The town of Blairmore was reeling from the horrific tragedy when someone reached out to radio personality Gerry Forbes.

“He knew of the family, and after this tragedy happened he called me and said ‘Do you think you think you guys could possibly help out?’” Forbes told Global News.

Forbes and his co-worker at CJAY 92, JD Lewis, decided to use crowdfunding page GoFundMe to set up an account for the Blanchette family.

“Honestly, we didn’t know if we’d get to $20,000,” said Lewis.

In less than 24 hours, the page received an enormous outpouring of support from over 400 people, exceeding their goal by $4,491 at last count.

Now that the money has been raised, the two men are ensuring it goes to helping the families cover funeral costs and that the process is transparent.

“We want to get this in the most responsible hands possible,” said Forbes.

Terry Blanchette’s mother spoke to the media outside her son’s home. She told reporters that the family is still grieving, but the community support has been incredible.

“I am so proud to be a Canadian,” she told Global News. “I am truly, so proud, to be a Canadian.”

CBC reports that a 22-year-old Alberta man has been taken into custody and charged with two counts of first degree murder in the deaths of Terry Blanchette and Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette.