Vancouver Canucks Star Evander Kane Supports Tumbler Ridge Shooting Victim with Generous Donation
Vancouver Canucks forward Evander Kane has made a heartfelt $1,000 donation to support 12-year-old Maya Gebala, a survivor of the devastating Tumbler Ridge school shooting that shocked British Columbia in February. The donation was made through the Gebala family's GoFundMe campaign, which has seen overwhelming community support.
Agent Confirms Kane's Charitable Support
Kane's agent, Daniel Milstein, confirmed the hockey player's contribution while emphasizing his broader charitable efforts. "To the best of my knowledge, Evander has supported a number of individuals and families during this time, including Maya," Milstein told media outlets. "Out of respect for privacy, we're not confirming any specific details or amounts related to personal donations," he added via email, though the $1,000 donation was visible on the fundraising page.
The Tragic Tumbler Ridge Shooting
The February 10th shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School stands as one of the worst mass shootings in Canadian history. Eighteen-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar opened fire, killing five students and one teacher. Maya Gebala was among those critically injured while reportedly trying to protect her classmates in the school library.
The young victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds:
- One bullet grazed her cheek and ear
- Additional shots struck her head and neck
- Significant brain damage occurred where a bullet exited
Maya was immediately rushed to the intensive care unit at B.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver, where she continues to receive treatment.
Family's Emotional Journey and Community Response
Maya's parents have shared heartbreaking updates about their daughter's condition. Her mother, Cia Edmonds, wrote on Facebook: "Everything you are and were... taken in a second. Maya, I have always been so fiercely proud of my babies. You though, were always the most defiant and stubborn... I was only just getting to watch you become the person you were meant to be."
Despite the grim prognosis initially given by doctors, Maya's father David Gebala reported that his daughter continues to "defy every expectation" with her progress. The family remains hopeful as she continues fighting in the hospital.
Overwhelming Fundraising Success
The GoFundMe campaign, organized by Krysta Hunt (cousin of Maya's mother), has far exceeded its original $250,000 goal. At the time of publication, the campaign had raised an impressive $472,935, demonstrating tremendous community solidarity and support for the Gebala family during this difficult time.
Kane's Homecoming Season
This marks Evander Kane's first season playing for his hometown Vancouver Canucks. The 34-year-old forward has had an extensive NHL career since breaking into the league in 2009 with the Atlanta Thrashers, with subsequent stints including the San Jose Sharks and Edmonton Oilers before joining the Canucks.
Kane's donation represents not only financial support but also brings significant public attention to Maya's recovery journey and the broader impact of the Tumbler Ridge tragedy on the small British Columbia community.
