PLEASE HELP SUPPORT MATTHEW MACKINNON AFTER BEING BULLED

Our family is absolutely devastated and heartbroken by a horrific incident that occurred at Chimney Hill Elementary on Thursday, June 26th, 2025. Our beloved nephew, Matthew MacKinnon, a kind and gentle 13-year-old grade 7 student who is autistic, has ADHD, and requires additional support including medication and therapy, was brutally assaulted and bullied by a group of his peers. He is currently receiving medical care at Surrey Memorial Children's unit for the serious injuries he sustained during this unprovoked attack. This GoFundMe is being organized by Lorrie Maracle on behalf of Matthew’s father, Tim MacKinnon.

What makes this situation even more agonizing is the complete lack of compassion shown by the other students present. We understand that there were at least 15-25 other children who witnessed this horrific event, yet not a single one stepped in to help Matthew. Instead, they formed a circle around him, taunting him with cruel words and, incredibly, recording the entire assault on their phones, seemingly cheering on the violence.

We have received these deeply disturbing video recordings, and it is unbearable for our family to witness the pain and terror Matthew endured. No child, especially one as loving and vulnerable as Matthew, should ever have to experience such an attack. Tragically, when Matthew becomes overwhelmed with fear, he resorts to self-harm. The videos show him, after being kicked, repeatedly harming himself in the head and hands, a desperate cry for the torment to stop.

We are urgently seeking justice for Matthew. How can such profound cruelty and indifference exist within our school community? Why has there been no immediate accountability for the students who inflicted this harm and those who stood by and encouraged it?

We are appealing to our community for your support during this incredibly difficult time. We want to ensure that this incident is taken with the utmost seriousness by the school and the authorities. We are determined to see that all students involved – both those who physically attacked Matthew and those who actively encouraged the violence and recorded his suffering – are held accountable for their actions. We also want to advocate for significant measures and changes within Chimney Hill Elementary to ensure that such abhorrent behavior never happens again and that our schools become truly safe and supportive environments for all children, especially those with special needs who are more vulnerable to bullying.

We have been so touched by the outpouring of support from the community, with many asking how they can further uplift Matthew's spirits during his recovery. Matthew is a bright and adventurous soul with a deep love for video games, anything with a spicy kick, and super sour candies. He also dreams of travelling and experiencing new things. While financial contributions are incredibly helpful for his immediate and ongoing needs, we also welcome thoughtful gestures that might bring a smile to his face during this challenging time.

The funds raised through this GoFundMe will be used to:

* Cover Matthew's immediate and ongoing medical expenses. While we are grateful for the care he is receiving, there will likely be costs associated with his recovery, including potential therapy and support services to help him heal from this trauma.

* Support our family's efforts to seek justice for Matthew. This may include legal consultation and advocacy to ensure his voice is heard and that appropriate consequences are enforced.

* Advocate for anti-bullying initiatives and improved support systems within Chimney Hill Elementary and the wider school district. We want to work with the school and community to foster a culture of compassion, empathy, and respect, and to ensure that all students are educated about the harmful effects of bullying and the importance of standing up for others.

If you have any information that could assist in the investigation of this assault, no matter how small it may seem, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school administration at Chimney Hill Elementary. We believe that by working together, we can foster a community where kindness prevails and our children are safe.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support, your compassion, and for sharing Matthew's story. Please keep Matthew in your thoughts and prayers as he begins his long journey to recovery.

With deepest gratitude,

Lorrie Maracle, on behalf of Tim MacKinnon

Please share this request widely.