I

On May 11, 2019, my niece Emily Caruana (age 20y) was murdered in my mother’s home in Brentwood Bay, BC. A man broke in while they slept and attacked several people with a knife. We believe he was looking for someone who no longer resided there. 

Emily was visiting her grandmother for one night. She was sleeping in the former bedroom of the person we believe he was targeting. My brother John, and Emily’s boyfriend, Justin, were critically injured trying to fend off this attacker, but Emily died of her injuries. None of the victims were known to this man.

Her mother (my sister), Ivy Caruana, has been left with the unimaginable pain of losing her child in such a senseless, deliberate and violent act. Ivy was a single mother, and Emily was her only child.

Every aspect of Ivy’s life has been shattered. Her dreams for her daughter were taken away in an act so violent it is difficult to comprehend. The joy of watching her daughter grow into a strong, independent, amazing young woman was gone in an instant. 

Ivy will never see the life she envisioned for her daughter. In addition to the emotional devastation, Ivy has been left without her daughter's vital support.

Ivy has mobility issues; without Emily's help, she struggles with the simplest tasks. Arthritis in her knees and feet makes standing for more than a few minutes painful and limits her ability to lower herself to the ground. Something as simple as plugging in a device has to wait until someone can help her. Cooking and cleaning are challenging, and she has to rely on outside assistance.

Emily also contributed to their household financially; without her help, Ivy is trying to cover all the expenses. She has limited financial means and lives in a rent-controlled apartment. That is why I set up this fund to assist my sister in rebuilding her life without her daughter. Something still inconceivable to her. I hope that through your generosity, we can relieve some of the financial strain this has caused. The funds raised will help with rent and household expenses. I will withdraw the available funds weekly and send them directly to Ivy by e-transfer. Every donation will go towards helping rebuild her life. Any amount is helpful, and every contribution is sincerely appreciated. With your help, this fund may provide the one thing she needs the most right now; hope. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read this and for any help and kind words you can offer.Sincerely, Emily’s Auntie Christine ❤️