Goal to raise $1 million for heroic Belleville cop who stopped a Jewish slaughter - National Post
Belleville Police Service officer Const. Jeff Smith, left, with his wife, Ashley, right, and their children. Photo by Ashley Smith/FacebookArticle contentA fundraising campaign set up by the Canadian Jewish community for hero Belleville cop Const. Jeff Smith, severely injured while protecting a synagogue from a hate-motivated mass shooting, is aiming to raise $1 million in a show of gratitude to those who defend Canadians every day.
The GoFundMe started last week with an initial goal of $18,000 has raised more than $819,000 as of Monday morning.
“What began as an immediate expression of gratitude has become a national demonstration of what Canadians believe,” organizer Derek Kreindler wrote in a Sunday update. “When someone risks his life protecting others, the people he protected will remember him and stand behind his family.”
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As of Monday morning, the campaign sits at roughly $817,000 and climbing.
Kreindler thanked the more than 7,200 who’ve already donated, and made clear he’s not asking them to do so again. Rather, he wants people to share Const. Smith’s story with people who may not have heard it in hopes of meeting the new fundraising goal.
“If you know a philanthropic family, foundation, business leader or other individual who might consider making a significant contribution, please consider forwarding the campaign privately or offering to make an introduction,” Kreindler continued.
“There is no expectation or pressure. We simply want those who may wish to participate to have the opportunity to do so.”
Smith’s story began around 7:10 p.m. last Sunday outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, where he was parked as a small congregation gathered inside to mark the start of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish faith.
According to officials, shooter Sean Ward opened fire on Smith, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his head and body before exiting his vehicle and engaging in a gunfight. Smith and another responding officer, Const. Michael McCurdy, were able to strike the 29-year-old shooter, who has since died in hospital.
