Fundraiser launched for refugee family of young girl killed by van in Surrey

Girl killed by van in Surrey

A fundraiser launched for refugee family of young girl killed by van in Surrey is drawing attention to a heartbreaking tragedy. On December 5, a large cube van struck 9-year-old Shomima in the 13400-block of 81 Avenue. Paramedics rushed her to hospital, but she later died from her injuries.

Surrey Police say the driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Officers do not believe impairment played a role, although the collision file remains under active investigation.

Family had just arrived in Canada

The loss feels especially cruel because the family had only recently found safety here. Relatives say Shomima and her family arrived in Canada from Bangladesh about a month ago. They had hoped to rebuild their lives after years of hardship as Rohingya Muslims displaced from Burma.

Instead, they are now planning a funeral in a new country, far from extended family and longtime support networks. Community members note that, as newcomers, the family faces the tragedy without savings, local benefits or established jobs to fall back on.

Fundraiser launched for refugee family of young girl killed by van in Surrey

To help, Shomima’s cousin, Ajis Nasir, has created an online fundraiser. The campaign explains that all money will go directly to her parents and siblings. The funds will pay for funeral costs and help cover other urgent expenses while the family grieves.

Organizers say any contribution, large or small, will ease immediate financial pressure. They also hope the show of support will signal to the family that Surrey stands with them in their loss.

Community response and how to help

Friends, neighbours and strangers have begun sharing the campaign link across social media. Many express sorrow that a child who had barely started her life in Canada was taken so quickly. Others write messages of welcome and condolence, emphasizing that the family is not alone.

Anyone wishing to help can visit the online fundraiser and donate or share the page. As the fundraiser launched for refugee family of young girl killed by van in Surrey grows, it offers both practical assistance and a measure of compassion to a family facing unimaginable grief so soon after arriving in their new home.

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