Our dear friend Tomoko Tanaka suddenly passed away while visiting her home country of Japan. Her close family members said their final goodbyes in Iwaki, on Friday, July 19th. On Friday, July 26th, we welcomed her husband Gerald and kids Yui and Skye back to Canada.

I was moved seeing so many people at the ferry and felt I must send my thanks to all of you who answer a call for help. Instead of sending a general 'thank you' note to each one of you, I decided to write one personal note and share some details about what was happening last week.

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Dear people,

I wanted to thank you personally for all the different ways you showed up for Tomoko's family. In the past week, I received many messages and was approached by many known and unknown people, who offered their unreserved help to Gerald and kids. Although my name stood out before this fundraiser and welcome gathering at the ferry, you must know that I wasn't working alone to organize them. My belief is that every one of you did their part well and that you all deserve credits for the work that has been done so far.

A teacher from Cloverdale Elementary School reached out and let me know that the school has already collected funds and started thinking about the support kids would need for their comeback in September. From them, I learned that Gerald's colleagues from two Victoria's high schools were also joined in their wish to support him. Teachers and staff from Victoria School District 61, I thank you for joining the fundraiser, participating in the meal train and showing up at the ferry.

I want to acknowledge the prompt and effective contribution of the Japanese community. Through you, I first learned about Tomoko's passing; you were the ones who organized the meal train and made sure that kids would have their favourite Japanese dishes on a plate when they come home. Thank you for coming at the ferry with your kids in such a great number. I am sure the family saw your banner written in Japanese and received the gifts and notes you prepared for them. Thank you for your numerous and continuous donations to this fundraiser.

Kudos to moms from Cloverdale School! When I started a fundraiser, I learned I would have to assign team members, that would help me reach a wider community and spread the information. I had no time and a reason to do so, as you took the roles on your own and helped without being asked to. Some of you reached out from camping sites, others postponed summer vacations, so you could greet the family. I was on the phone with those of you who moved up-island and abroad. Thank you for being the force behind the scene. Thank you for honouring the family's needs and wishes, for showing up at the ferry and bringing gifts and cards to the family. Thank you for your donations.

I am glad I had an opportunity to meet Gerald's mom and close friends at the ferry. I felt relieved knowing that he and kids would be taken under their wing until their return to their house. Thank you for introducing yourselves and joining hands with the rest of community. Thank you for your donations too.

Finally, I want to thank all the donors of this fundraiser. Last Saturday I couldn't sleep and stopped crying. To stay sane, I thought of the ways I could help and decided to start GoFundMe. I had no expectations and was hesitant to set my goal. But, just 24hours after I pressed the button, I stood in front of the fundraiser page in disbelief. From a magical holiday to the news of my friend's passing; from being helpless and in shock to being in awe of your generosity and care. You left me speechless.

There were times in my life when I got the worst from humans, and even wished I wasn't one; but when seeing the stream of your donations, I kept saying: "Whoever you are, wherever you are, for whichever reason you donated for Tomoko's family, I thank you for your humanity!" Tomoko had golden hands. You should have seen the way she packed her kids lunch boxes or wrapped friends' presents. It was an artwork. I wouldn't open my presents for weeks as I didn't care what was inside. I just kept repeating, "I like it already." But, when I think about the part of the body that tells a true story about her, I think of the heart. If you would be sharing your sorrow with her, she would keep her hand on heart and say: "I feel your pain." When I made jokes or held pep-talks, she would say: "You filled my heart with joy." So, while thanking you for your humanity, I'd like to add this line: "Dear donor, if and when you'll be in need one day, I wish people with open and generous heart like yours come across your path too. I bow to you for caring this much for another human being."

I still have one wish. When I think of Tomoko, I think of her relatives and friends in Japan. I heard stories about some of them but never had a chance to meet them. I want them to know that the Victoria community is sorry for their loss. If you will read this message, please know that, although Tomoko was a recent newcomer to Canada, she wasn't a stranger here. She touched many lives and was loved by many. Your Tomoko is and will be greatly missed on this side of the Pacific too. We are together in this grief.

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Thank you for signing up for the meal train. This will allow Gerald to stay focused on the kids while we prepare a dinner for them. Please check the link below, read detailed information and sign up for the day, if and when you can.

https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/mok4g9

Friends and I are organizing a fundraiser to help Tomoko's family cover their unexpected bills as well as upcoming essential expenses like rent, utilities, groceries and school supplies. While they are navigating through this difficult period, our wish is for them not to think about finances but to take their time to grieve and heal together.

If you can, please donate to this fundraiser. We plan to keep it open for some time, so if you are not able to give right now, please consider donating in the upcoming weeks. Don't hesitate to share the link with a wider audience, as at this moment, any help would be greatly appreciated.

We thank you in advance for helping Tomoko's family.