A fundraiser has been set up following a triple stabbing that marred the end of Vancouver's Light Up Chinatown event earlier this month.
Three people were attacked by a stranger on Sept. 10 near the festival's main stage, according to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). The suspect left the scene but was caught by police officers minutes later, not far away. He remains in custody.
Police have identified the suspect as 64-year-old Blair Evan Donnelly who, at the time of the attack, had been released from a Metro Vancouver forensic psychiatric facility on a day pass.
The Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, in partnership with a number of other local organizations in Chinatown, has launched a fundraiser campaign for the victims with their permission.
Each organization will donate partial proceeds with an overall goal of raising $15,000 to aid in the victims' physical and emotional recovery.
The victims are a man and a woman in their 60s from Burnaby and a woman in her early 20s from Vancouver. All three received serious but not life-threatening injuries. All three victims were also Asian.
"This was a random act of violence, and if there is one thing Chinatown is known for [it] is its resilience," reads the fundraiser page. "We are a community that cares deeply about one another. This attack has only reinforced our sense of community and drive to revitalize Chinatown. We are now coming together as a unified force to support these victims."
Funds raised will go towards covering medical expenses, counselling and therapy, and assistance for any work they might miss during their recovery to ensure they don't face financial hardships.
As of Sept. 20, the fundraiser has amassed over $4,000.
With files from Brendan Kergin
