A B.C. community is gathering together to support a family after a three-year-old boy was killed by a driver earlier this week.
Police officers responded to a collision at 10 a.m. on March 5 near Vedder Road and Petawawa Road in Chilliwack. A three-year-old boy, who was a pedestrian and not in a vehicle, was killed at the scene.
A candlelight vigil has been organized by Central Community Church so that the community can come together and support the family.
The vigil is being held at Vedder Road and Petawawa Road.
"We are joining with friends of Zach and Laura in inviting you to a candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. March 7 at the site of yesterday’s tragic accident,” writes the church. "We invite you to come, bring a candle, and gather as a sign of solidarity with the family, a deep desire to grieve with those who grieve, love and lift them up, and hold them up in prayer.”
An online fundraiser that allows people to pay and schedule food for the family has also been created.
"As Laura, Zach and Arlo navigate the grief of losing their beloved son and brother, Everett, we wish to surround them with God’s love through food and community,” reads the website.
The organizers of the MealTrain noted that "we are overwhelmed with the amount of support offered to the Janzs. Out of respect for the family we have not extended dates available for the meal train at this time. Thank you for fellowship during this time."
The family owns Banter Ice Cream in Chilliwack on Vedder Mountain Road.
Central Community Church says the vigil is not a celebration of life, but instead the evening will be for people to come together and "offer a prayer and a symbol of love.”
A service will be planned for a later date, according to the church.
Police are investigating the fatal crash and the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) was also called to investigate.
The driver involved remained at the scene and police say they are co-operating with the investigation.
What factors led to the fatal crash are not known at this time.
