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London terror attack: GoFundMe draws $600,000 in donations in honour of Afzaal family’s memory

London terror attack: GoFundMe draws $600,000 in donations in honour of Afzaal family’s memory

Following the tragic death of of four members of a family from London, Ont., after a targeted attack on Sunday, with a nine-year-old still in hospital, a GoFundMe online fundraiser has been created totalling over $600,000 in donations.

Organized by a friend of the family Sana Yasir, the fundraiser shares some details about the family. Salman Afzaal, 46, was a physiotherapist with a "gentle and welcoming smile." His wife Madiha Salman, 44, was working towards finishing her PhD at Western University in civil engineering. Their 15-year-old daughter Yumna Salman was a Grade 9 student at Oakridge Secondary School and Yumna's 74-year-old grandmother is a described as "a pillar of their family that cherished their daily walks."

The GoFundMe page also states that nine-year-old Fayez Salman, the surviving member of the family, is being supported by his extended family.

"The family has indicated that they do not need financial assistance at the time however, if you would like to help and donate the money will be used as Sadaqa-Jariya on behalf of the deceased," the page reads. "Sadaqa Jariya is an important concept within Islam - it is a gift that not only benefits others in this life but also benefits us and our loved ones in the next."

The horrific nature of the crimes perpetrated against the Salman family serve as a reminder of the long shadow of Islamophobia that is cast on the lives of peaceful Muslim families across the world.-GoFundMe account for 9-year-old survivor

"This GoFundMe campaign is one of many ways the Pakistani community in London can support each other in the face of the hatred our community has undeservedly received in this instance and countless others."

Several people who donated through the GoFundMe online fundraiser also left messages on the page in conjunction with their donation.

"This tragic event, like the lives it took, must not be forgotten. Intolerance has no place in our country. We must stand strong together against hate and Islamophobia in favour of humanity and acceptance of all. We are all neighbours with much in common. Our hopes for a better future can only be realized when we realize our common hopes, common bonds and common humanity," one comment reads.

ONTARIO, CANADA - JUNE 07: People attend a memorial at the location where a family of five was hit by a driver, in London, Ontario, Canada, June 7, 2021. Four of the members of the family died and one is in critical condition. A 20 year old male has been charged with four counts of first degree murder and count of attempted murder in connection with the crime. (Photo by Brett Gundlock/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

"We stand with the Muslim Community. We are all humans in this world and deserve to be safe, wherever you live," another message on the page reads.

"My heart goes out to Fayez and I can only imagine his grief from such a heinous crime. It is infuriating that a 9-year-old child would lose his family in such a way. I pray for his swift recovery and hope that this campaign will help with the long path to healing that awaits Fayez, his relatives and the Muslim community at large," someone else wrote on the GoFundMe page.