An online fundraising campaign for a Nelson woman whose father, stepmother, and nephew are feared murdered in Calgary has more than $4,000 of its $5,000 goal.
Julie-Claire Hamilton has organized a youcaring.com site for Nancy Liknes, plus her husband Jesse Ewart and son Finn Ewart. Nancy is the daughter of Alvin Liknes, stepdaughter of Kathryn Liknes, and aunt of Nathan O’Brien, 5, who have been missing since June 29.
Although their bodies have not been found, police believe they have been murdered. Douglas Garland, 54, is accused of killing them.
On the website, Hamilton says everyone who knows Nancy and Jesse has been asking what they can do to help. Nancy and her son have been in Calgary since a day after her family members were reported missing, while Jesse has been back and forth between Calgary and Nelson.
“Through this fundraiser we can help alleviate the pressure of bills that don’t go away and allow Jesse to spend time with Nancy, Finn and their family in these trying times without the burden of lost wages,” Hamilton wrote.
“Although they would never ask for it, this is a very clear way of helping. The money raised can help cover travel costs, mortgage payments, food and if nothing else, take a bit of the stress off Nancy and Jesse’s shoulders.
“None of us can imagine what Nancy and her family are going through but by chipping in we can help them be able to stay in Calgary as long as they feel necessary.”
Hamilton described the couple as “wonderful people” who always go out of their way to help others.
As of Thursday evening, 54 people had donated a total of $4,255.