Boy who lost father in Highway 103 crash honours him through clothing drive
A 10-year-old boy fulfilled his wish to keep his father's memory alive Tuesday by donating dozens of bags of clothing to the Salvation Army and helping other men in need.
Matthew Gordon lost his father just two months ago. Ken Gordon, 54, was checking the cargo in his truck when he was struck by another vehicle on Highway 103.
"He was always helping someone in need," said Matthew, who was shy when talking about his efforts. "I kind of took after it."
Not long after the tragedy, Matthew went to his mother, Lorna Gordon, and asked what would happen to his father's clothing if they put it in donation bins.
His mother suggested they take it directly to the Salvation Army to see who it helps. That's when the family decided to ask for other donations.
"Ken was a very giving man," said Lorna Gordon. "Always helping other people, and we thought why not help other people?"
Generous community
The family put up posters in the community asking for clothing donations. They thought they would receive a few bags from friends, but then strangers started showing up on the doorstep.
"All times of the day people were showing up at our door, saying they were sorry about our loss and what they thought was a great idea," said Gordon. "And I met three widows who lost their husbands years ago and haven't been able to give away their clothing, part with it, and they've given it to Matthew's campaign to honour his dad."
She said the clothing drive has given the family something positive to focus on after their loss.
"It's a part of the healing process, and I think it'll go a long way with Matthew."
Personal connection
The Gordons chose the Salvation Army for a personal reason. Ken Gordon was an alcoholic who was sober for the last four years with the help of the Salvation Army.
"He and we were very proud of him, and we were always at AA," said Lorna Gordon. "We truly believe in the program. Because it was part of Ken's life, we thought it would be the program we would choose."
At the Salvation Army, Paul Surette said he couldn't have been more surprised to receive a call from the family. He is the addictions program supervisor, and he said Matthew's efforts are well beyond his years.
"That is a legacy. That is a young man who has a belief, has a passion and really wants to share that with people."
The project turned into more than just a clothing drive, it raised awareness. Kids at Matthew's school started asking questions about why donations were needed, so Surette visited his class and answered questions.
"I think at the end they had a really good understanding of what homelessness is, what substance use is and who can be that person that you see on the street," he said.
"It's creating an awareness that in fact, they are people. And to see that in the eyes and the questions from these young people was incredible. Hats off to Matthew for starting that conversation with kids his age."
Significant contribution
Now that the bags of clothing have been delivered, they'll be sorted and handed out when needed.
"Some people get here and they have nothing, just the clothes that they're wearing," said Surette.
The clothing will also be shared with other Halifax charities if they're looking for specific sizes.
"That goes a long way to presenting yourself back in the community, back into a work situation, a relationship, all of that helps, just by a new set of clothes," he said.
The Gordons said their work to help others is just beginning.
They plan on collecting clothing through the year, and making the drop off an annual event.
"We want people to know that [Ken's] heart will always be here through us. Giving back to others," said Lorna Gordon.
