Over $2 million (CAD) has been raised for a nine-year-old Muslim boy who was the only member of his family to survive an attack "motivated by hate" last Sunday (June 6).
The tragic incident saw 20-year-old Nathaniel Veltman mount the curb in his pick-up truck and strike five members of a Muslim family in London, Ontario in Canada.
The family members spanned three generations, and their ages spanned from nine to 74 years old, per CTV News.
Four of the family members - 46-year-old Salman Afzaal, his 44-year-old wife Madiha, their 15-year-old daughter Yumnah and Salman's 74-year-old mother - were killed in the attack.
Salman and Madiha's nine-year-old son survived.
Per the Guardian, Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau called the crime a "terrorist attack, motivated by hatred", as he paid his respects to the family on Wednesday.
Detective Superintendent Paul Waight also told reporters that "there is evidence that this was a planned, premeditated act, motivated by hate," adding: "We believe the victims were targeted because of their Islamic faith."
On Friday, thousands of people in London turned out to march in support of the family and the Muslim community.
Additionally, it has been revealed that over $2 million ($1,645,200 USD) has been raised for the nine-year-old surviving member of the family.
One of the fundraisers for the child was launched on GoFundMe by close family friend Sana Yasir. As of this writing, more than $871,000 has been raised, with Sana writing in the description:
"The horrific nature of the crimes perpetrated against the Salman family serve as a reminder of the long shadow of Islamophobia that is cast on the lives of peaceful Muslim families across the world.
"This GoFundMe campaign is one of many ways the Pakistani community in London can support each other in the face of the hatred our community has undeservedly received in this instance and countless others.
"Ya Allah have mercy on this family and give sabr to Fayez and those who are affected by this horrible tragedy."
A second fundraiser was launched with the support of the London Muslim Community, NCCM, and Islamic Relief Canada, and currently stands at over $1,153,00.
On the LaunchGood page states: "Our community is grieving the loss of 4 precious lives who were taken simply because of their faith.
"The rise in hate crimes and acts of Islamophobia must be condemned by all levels of society. We will survive this test through hope, love, our unshakeable believe in God, and a firm commitment to the pursuit of justice."
Veltman has since been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. His next court appearance will take place on June 14.
