Two separate trust funds have been established to benefit Marcus Cirillo, the five-year-old son of fallen soldier Cpl. Nathan Cirillo. The 24-year-old Hamilton native was fatally shot while guarding the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Wednesday, leaving his child and dogs behind.
CTV News reports over $300,000 has been raised in just three days to support both Marcus Cirillo and the family of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, who was killed in a Quebec parking lot accident on Monday, by a reported extremist. The donations have been received through crowdfunding website Indiegogo, in a trust set up by charity organization True Patriot Love, and the recently-founded Stand on Guard Fund.
According to the Montreal Gazette, all financial contributions received before Oct. 29 will be "split evenly" between the two families.
Corporate businesses and banks, including TD Bank, the Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank and CIBC have all made public donations of $20,000, while Rogers Communications and Loblaw Companies Ltd. have given $25,000 each. The Indiegogo page also cites over 1,700 individual donations, amounting to $145,000 and counting.
"Grassroots movements like the Stand on Guard Fund are the truest demonstrations of our nation standing together in their support for the members of our Canadian Armed Forces and their families," said Shaun Francis, chair of True Patriot Love, in a statement on its website.
However, this is not the only means of contributing to Marcus Cirillo's financial future. The Argyll Regimental Foundation, TD Bank, True Patriot Love and Cirillo's family have been working in tandem to create a direct fund and account for the reservist's young son. In a release, the "Marcus Cirillo Trust" states "every dollar raised by the Argyll Regimental Foundation and by the Regiment will go directly to the [fund]."
The Toronto Maple Leafs are also supporting this trust. In a short news item on the team's official webpage before Saturday night's game, the Leafs made special note of being able to "accept contributions to this trust account" at its Real Sports Apparel retailers at the Air Canada Centre.
Yet, the RCMP is warning all Canadians of possible Cirillo or Vincent-related fundraising scams. The Hamilton Spectator reports at least one online effort is being investigated for foul play.
Here's how you can contribute to the two official funds: visit the Indiegogo page here, or make a donation to the Marcus Cirillo Trust using the information below:
TD Bank ‘Marcus Cirillo Trust’
Transit 2221
Acct #6391935
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