FSJ local raised $5k for Tumbler Ridge community

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A Fort St. John local has raised $5,000 for the community of Tumbler Ridge in the aftermath of the school shooting. 

On Monday, February 16th, a fundraiser was organized by Taylor-Rhae Simmons, owner of Mudita Salon Collective, called “Trims for Tumbler.” 

Simmons told Energeticcity.ca: “When everything happened [Tumbler Ridge Secondary School shooting], you think, how can you help or what can you do?  

“So when all the GoFundMes and everything were around, [I thought] I could raise money.” 

“There’s something special about having the community get together for a fundraiser and see that support in person and have those conversations,” Simmons said. 

During the “Trims for Tumbler” event, Simmons and a few other hairstylists offered haircuts by donations.

“There were seven hairstylists from the community that came, two of which were not actually from my salon, which was really nice. A few other hairstylists that couldn’t be here actually donated to the silent auction, which was also very generous,” she shared. 

Simmons started planning the fundraiser on Friday, February 13th, and by Monday, February 16th, it had grown from just trims, to a silent auction at NRG Fusion Studio with larger companies like Subway donating subs and cookies.

“It was very overwhelming but everyone was just so willing to help. All I really had to do was get organized and then get the word out, which the community did once I posted it,” Simmons said.   

The fundraiser finished at $5,000, which Simmons says will be used for mental health resources for the people in Tumbler Ridge. 

She shared that the response the event got from the community was “insane”. 

“There was a good flow of people and the community definitely showed up, but I was overwhelmed with the financial support, people were very generous with their donations,” Simmons said. “I think it was because it was a physical, in-person donation and they could see where the money was going.” 

She estimates probably 50 to 75 people were at the event. 

She said: “We are all grieving with you and want to support you in any way that we can at this time.” 

To donate to the GoFundMes for the Tumbler Ridge victims, click here.