The spirit of generosity can be nothing short of awe-inspiring in the face of tragedy.
That’s rarely as evident as it’s been this week, following Friday’s eight-vehicle collision that claimed the life of local husband and father Muhammad Saleem.
He was dropping off his teen son – the middle of three children – at his part-time job when tragedy struck.
To say a Gofundme page set up for his family has met with heart-warming results would be a staggering understatement.
Organized by good friend Farhan Nadeem in the wee morning hours Monday, the campaign has seen contributions pour in with incredible frequency.
With donations ranging from $5 right up to $1,250, individuals and families have given what they can to ease the financial burden for Saleem’s widow and three school-age children.
The tally has already surpassed $92,000 towards a $120,000 goal – which was originally set at $50,000, but has since been raised three times to adjust for the community’s immense desire to help.
A remarkable 1,300-plus donors – most of whom have chosen to remain anonymous – have pitched in.
The tidal wave of support comes as welcome news to Milton Councillor Sameera Ali.
Welcome, but not surprising.
“Milton is that kind of community, that everybody pulls together when we have one of our own hurting and in pain,” said Ali, who’s known the Saleems for years through the Ford Neighbourhood community group – which Saleem’s wife is an active member of – and through the two families’ eldest sons being classmates at St. Francis Xavier Secondary School. “People are just waiting to see what they can do (to help).”
The local councillor has seen that up close this week during a visit to the home, where people from all walks of life – some close to the family and others who barely knew them – reaching out in a massive show of support.
“Brother Saleem was someone who was making sure that he was providing very well for his children. He was there to help anyone when they needed help,” said Ali, noting how hard situations like this shake a community and that mental health supports are available through Halton police and the local chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
“Even the children or individuals who took lessons from him as a driving instructor always said he was one of the kindest people they ever met.”
Nadeem described Saleem as a “true gentle soul” who brought “uplifting enthusiasm and energy” to numerous family and community activities.
“His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled,” Nadeem said on the Gofundme page.
Click here to contribute.
Witnesses to the accident, or those with dashcam footage, who have not yet spoken to police are asked to call the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 905-825-4747, ext. 5065.
