Supporting the Hotte Family: A Call to Community

On July 22, 2025, the Hotte family joyfully welcomed their fourth child, baby Ida. What should have been a time of celebration quickly turned into a harrowing ordeal when Ida experienced severe complications shortly after birth and was rushed to the NICU. Thanks to an exceptional medical team, steadfast community support, and countless prayers, baby Ida pulled through. On August 5, 2025, the Hottes were finally reunited at home, beginning their new chapter as a family of six.

Tragically, just three days later on August 8, 2025, their world was turned upside down again. Matt Hotte was involved in a catastrophic head-on collision. His truck was torn in half, and he was ejected from the vehicle. STARS airlifted him to the hospital, where he remains intubated and he has already undergone multiple surgeries. Matt faces a long, difficult road to recovery. The Hotte family is now navigating an incredibly painful and uncertain time.

Cassie has barely left Matt’s side, only returning home briefly to shower, gather supplies, or care for their newborn. Their older children—Porter, Faron, and Hazel—have been staying with close family friends, the Gambles, who also cared for them during Ida’s hospital stay. Baby Ida is being lovingly looked after by the Torstensen family, neighbors and fellow church members of the Hottes.

Matt is the family’s sole provider and works at their well-known local business, Strong’s Garage, in partnership with dear friend Jim. With Matt now unable to work for the foreseeable future, the family is under immense emotional and financial strain.

Matt is a cherished member of the Strathcona County community and beyond. He’s known for his deep involvement in the bluegrass music scene and his contributions to the beloved Alberta T Racing event hosted annually by their family in Bruderheim. His love for antique/vintage cars makes him well known in the local area as he generously lends his vintage vehicles to parades and local events. This love of cars also reaches beyond Alberta as Matt and Jim have a Youtube channel with viewers around the world (https://www.youtube.com/@strongsgarage/videos). The Hottes are the kind of family that always show up for others—and now, it’s our turn to show up for them.

If you’re looking for a tangible way to help, Strong’s Garage and a group of loved ones have launched this GoFundMe to support the Hotte family during this incredibly difficult time.

Your support will go directly toward:

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. If you’re unable to give financially, please consider sharing the campaign to help spread the word. Prayers are very welcomed and appreciated.

Let’s come together and show the Hotte's the strength, love, and support of their community!

Help us fuel the Hotte's recovery,

Erin Hollingsworth, Michelle Gamble, Jim Koladich, Kale Kuzik, & Alex Archbold