More than $50,000 raised for Saskatoon teenager set on fire

Warning: This story may contain details that are disturbing to some readers. The Kids Help Phone is available 24-7 at 1-800-668-6868, or text 686868. Adults can access Saskatoon Mobile Crisis 24-7 at 306-933-6200. Mental health support is also available at 306-655-7777 in Saskatoon or at HealthLine 811.

An online fundraiser to help the teenage victim burned in an attack at Evan Hardy Collegiate in Saskatoon on Thursday had reached more than $50,000 on Sunday morning.

The fundraiser on GoFundMe, set up by the victim’s cousin, has far surpassed its $25,000 goal for funds to support help the victim’s parents for travel from Saskatoon to Edmonton, where she is in hospital.

A 14-year-old student appeared in Saskatoon Provincial Court on Friday charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and arson after the 15-year-old girl was set on fire at the school.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe and be free from harm,” Ariel Morin said in the fundraiser.

Describing her cousin Rebecca as “a bright light in our family”, Morin said her family is by her side.

“She is witty and humorous, with many skills and talents,” she said. “She is a kind, caring, bright young woman who is much beloved by all who have had the pleasure of meeting her.”

Morin said the road ahead for the family was expected to be long.

“Your support will help relieve some stress and worry as they will be away from home for an undetermined length of time. My aunt and uncle are not going to leave her side until they can bring her home, and they will have no income during this time. Every dollar raised will be going directly to them.”

One teacher was sent to hospital as he tried to help the victim in the horrific attack that left students shocked and scared. His condition is not known.

Students who spoke with 650 CKOM on Friday allege there was a type of flammable liquid poured onto the victim that came from inside a black canister.

650 CKOM has also been told the teen used a fire accelerant, as a mere flick of a lighter would not have caused such serious injuries.

“It’s information that I’ve received from very credible sources that were a factor in this incident. Where that came from, whether or not the accused brought it with her to school, obtained it at school, I don’t know that,” said Evan Bray, host of The Evan Bray Show on 980 CJME and 650 CKOM on Friday. Bray is former chief of Regina Police Service.

650 CKOM also learned on Friday that the student at the centre of the attack had a history of violent behaviour.

Bray has sources that confirmed the accused teen has been flagged as a potential danger to herself and others.

Bray said that in schools, police work with social services, teachers, administrators and other professionals to conduct Violent Threat Risk Assessments.

“It could be a variety of things, and is usually linked to other behavior that causes enough suspicion and concern that professionals sit down in a meeting that is solely focused on determining whether or not this individual is a threat.”

Bray has confirmed that these assessments had been conducted multiple times regarding the girl accused in this situation.

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