The Shelburne community opens its heart in memory of Carmen Huskilson.
The Huskilson’s 5-year old daughter died last week in the hospital where she spent most of her life.
Carmen’s father, Andrew says, he asked the community to pay it forward in his daugher’s eulogy.
He’s overwhelmed by how the community responded.
“I meant holding doors open for the elderly. I meant shovelling your neighbour’s sidewalk off. But, what is being done right now is just out of this world,” said Huskilson.
Thousands of dollars have been donated in the little girl’s memory.
Lisa Harris has set up a Facebook page in memory of the little girl who stole the hearts of so many.
Huskilson says he hopes to use the money support local health care.
He says the Roseway Hospital is in dire need and would like to dedicate funds to helping improve local health care.
Carmen was diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia at 4-months old and died in hospital last week.
Her father says she was a strong, determined little girl who refused to give up.
“They told us she’d likely would never be able to speak after months of speech therapy. She talked herself to sleep just about every night,” said Huskilson.
Donations continue to come in from far and wide according to Harris.
“We even had a donation from the Dominican Republic. Donations keep coming in from all over the world. People are selling necklaces and the equivelant of a load of lobsters,” said Harris.
“Just in the last hour I have had 250 people asking to be part of the Facebook group. I can hardly keep up with it,” said Harris.
Huskilson says he never anticipated this kind of support from the community, but it doesn’t surprise him that the town he calls home is there for his family to help them get through this.
“There isn’t anywhere on the planet I would rather live. This community is beyond generous and for that, my family is truly grateful.”
