A school district fundraiser to help a Port Coquitlam elementary recover after a suspected arson last month has brought in more than $83,000.
Shawn Silverstone, executive director of the School District 43 (SD43) Foundation told the Tri-City News yesterday, Nov. 21, that 100 per cent of the money raised will be donated to the school after the building burned down early on Oct. 14.
However, it’s not known at this time how and when the cash will be distributed, he said.
"It's a testament to the community to how it came together," Silverstone said, noting the online fund remains open to collect financial donations.
Meanwhile, the City of Port Coquitlam continues to sort through the school supplies it gathered from the public at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, Hyde Creek Recreation Centre and city hall last month.
It's unknown when the teachers and students will receive those materials, a city spokesperson told the Tri-City News.
As well, a GoFundMe site set up by Leah Michele, a teacher and parent in PoCo, brought in nearly $15,500 for the Hazel Trembath Parent Advisory Council.
Ali Tootian, a math teacher at Gleneagle Secondary in Coquitlam, also generated money for SD43 on behalf of the Farhangian Educator Association.
Funds came in from the Coquitlam Teachers’ Association, which hosted a T-shirt drive with the words "Proud Teacher" and "Proud to Support Teachers."
And businesses like Patina Brewing and Eden West Gourmet also contributed to the cause.
Coquitlam Mounties continue to investigate the arson.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2023-27725.
