Fundraisers set up for funeral costs of Harrow family found dead

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Essex County OPP on Wednesday confirmed identities of the four members of a family found dead in their Harrow home, while the town continues to witness a strong display of community support.

The family has been identified as Carly Walsh, 41, Steven Walsh, 42, and their two children Madison 13, and Hunter, 8.

The circumstances that led to the individuals’ deaths remain under investigation, according to Ontario Provincial Police. While the cause of the death has not yet been confirmed, police said there is no threat to public safety.

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“The St. Anthony Catholic Elementary School community was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of two of its students and their parents due to the tragic circumstances that occurred in Harrow on June 20,” the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board said in a statement Wednesday. 

Madison, a Grade 7 student, and Hunter, a Grade 3 student, both attended St. Anthony Catholic Elementary School in Harrow. 

“She will be remembered by her teachers and her friends as a kind, caring girl who always had a smile on her face, was a good friend who included others, and always tried to do the right thing,” the statement read. 

“(Hunter) will be remembered by his teachers and friends as a ‘sweet kid’ who loved to play soccer, was always smiling and giving hugs to others.”

Carly Walsh was vice-chair of the school’s parent advisory council and will be “remembered by the school community for always being present for school functions and council meetings.”

“She cared deeply about St. Anthony, and was an important member of the school community,” the board said in the statement. 

“The school community is struggling with the loss of the Walsh family, but staff, students and their families are relying on their faith and each other to get them through this extremely difficult time.”

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No funeral arrangements were made public as of Wednesday afternoon, but fundraising efforts are underway to cover funeral and other costs. Tributes in honour of the family continue to pour in on social media.

According to Ray Fischer, incoming president of the Harrow Rotary Club, more than $15,000 was raised by those who attended Sunday’s vigil at the Harrow Soccer Complex.

“It was very heartwarming to see our community and people not from our community come,” Fischer told the Star. “Even the outpouring of comments that we got after the event.”

“We’re a small-knit community and you know, unfortunately, we hear about situations like this, but when it hits home, it just brings a different perspective.

“It’s just devastating.”

Businesses and community organizations in Harrow have been using social media to inform the public of fundraising events to help with funeral expenses.

The Bearded Dog Brewing Co. is donating a portion of its sales — $5 from every burger and $3 for every beer — on Thursday, July 4, from 12-8 p.m. Proceeds will be donated directly to the family.

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A pasta fundraiser is also being held at the Camoes Portuguese Club of Harrow on July 2.

“All proceeds will be given to the family,” the organization wrote in a Facebook post: “Our hearts break for all affected.”

Other local businesses, including Roslyn’s Sweet Treats and Sarah Ann Photography, are raffling off their services to help raise money. 

“I’m sure a lot of you have heard of the tragedy that happened in Harrow to a beautiful family,” the owner of Roslyn’s Sweet Treats said in a post on Facebook.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Madi and Hunter a few times. Carly was a friend and part of my Tupperware family. After the beautiful candlelight vigil, I wanted to help out in the only way I know how.

“All proceeds will go towards the family to help with the expenses that they will face in the coming weeks,” the post read. “Please keep Carly and her two beautiful children in your prayers.” 

Roslyn’s Sweet Treats is selling online tickets which can be purchased through e-transfer to rlerous101@gmail.com. The raffle draw is 12 p.m. on June 29. 

Sarah Ann Photography, who did a photo session with the Walsh children in 2022, is raffling off a family photography session. Digital tickets — $10 for one ticket or $25 for three — can also be purchased by sending an e-transfer to sbphotob@gmail.com.

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The raffle draw will be at 9 p.m. on Thursday (June 27), the last day of school.

“I know Maddi and Hunter would have been so excited to start their summer vacation,” wrote Sarah Barichello of Sarah Ann Photography.

Kerry Dougan, owner of Knine46 Dog Grooming in Harrow, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the two dogs who belonged to the Walsh family adjust to their new home. 

“Mollie and Bella tragically lost their family last week and have been selflessly taken in by a relative, Jessica and her family, so that these girls will not have to go through further trauma of being separated from each other,” Dougan wrote.

“The dogs were brought to the family with none of their belongings, no leashes or collars, beds, toys, treats or food.”

The fundraiser quickly surpassed its $1,500 goal, reaching more than $2,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.

Harrow Car Wash is donating all proceeds earned from car washes at the business this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

“It’s time for us to come together and show our support,” the business wrote. “You never know what someone might be going through. Let’s stand strong and help one another.”

mholmeshill@postmedia.com

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