A fundraising campaign for a young woman who survived a vicious attack in Surrey earlier this month has exceeded all expectations.
The Women’s SFC (Surrey Football Club) Rangers started an online campaign last week to support their 21-year-old teammate, who had her throat slit during the Feb. 7 incident at an apartment near 134 Street and 108 Avenue.
The victim, a refugee who came to Surrey from Gambia last summer, is a star player with the Rangers and her fellow players hoped to raise $5,000 on GoFundMe to help her through her recovery. They set what they thought was unattainable goal of $20,000.
But in less than a week, the site has elicited more than $20,500 in donations, in addition to another $5,000 or so in cash.
Teammate Simrit Parmar said the team – in consultation with their injured friend – has decided to donate any money collected beyond the $20,000 goal to an organization that fights violence against women.
“What happened was tragic,” Parmar said, “but she’s so lucky she has a strong support system to fall back on. Not everybody else is given that chance so we want to help other people that don’t have a voice and aren’t able to stand up for themselves.”
She said they haven’t yet decided where the extra donation will go, but want to ensure it benefits victims directly.
Kris Kelly, 22, was arrested following the attack and is charged with attempted murder, unlawful confinement and aggravated sexual assault.
It’s expected the victim will be in hospital for at least a month, but Parmar said her spirits are good and her recovery is proceeding well.
To make a donation online, visit https://www.gofundme.com/ypp3qhhg