CLAYTON — A candlelight vigil is planned Friday for Surrey teen Shakir Salaam who was killed in last week’s storm.
It will take place at 7 p.m. at Clayton Heights Secondary (7003 188th St., Surrey) in the school’s common area.
Flammable candles are not permitted. Battery operated tea lights will be available for the first 600 people.
SEE ALSO: Clayton community rallies after Surrey boy killed in storm
Shakir was known for wearing black baseball caps, so people attending are invited to wear hats in his honour.
The family requests that media refrain from reporting too close to the ceremony.
Shakir died after a tree fell on him at Clayton Heights Secondary School just before 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 14.
Surrey’s deputy Fire Chief Larry Thomas said when first responders arrived they found Shakir in a wooded area near the school, with a tree on top of him. At the time, a wind warning from Environment Canada was in effect. He was rushed to hospital by ambulance but didn’t survive.
Soon after, a donation page was started to raise money in Shakir’s honour for a variety of memorial initiatives.
It has raised more than $23,000 so far.
Click here to visit the GoFundMe page.
Local mom Tammy Larson started the campaign and told the Now she did so because “this could have been any of our kids.”
“My son goes to Clayton Heights Secondary school and he was in the portables just an hour before,” said Larson. “We never expect to send our kid to school and never to see them alive again.”
The vigil couldn’t have happened without the community’s support, said Larson.
“We want to thank the parents, kids and local community members who have volunteered to pick up supplies and help tonight with the vigil,” she said. “And Mr. Ranu the school principal and the Surrey School Board for providing the venue.”
Larson said the business community has been incredibly generous.
She sends thanks to Save-On-Food, Independent Foods, COBS Bread, Party City Langley, Caps Cycles. Fast Signs, Potters, Flowers and Company, Costco Langley, KFC, Shoppers Drug Mart, Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Turkey Party Rentals.
Clayton Centre Church and Langley Community Church have also stepped up to help, she added.
“We couldn’t have done this without the pastors Jeff and Josh,” said Larson.
