Community Rallies to Create Fundraiser For Dirt Bike Accident Victim
/Jake MacDonald may have suffered the worst accident of his life but his community has rallied together and arranged a fundraiser for his recovery on Tuesday.
Donations as far as Alberta have come in to support MacDonald. Photo courtesy of Crissie Morrow.
The Facebook group “Let’s Help Jake MacDonald” has already raised approximately more than $1,500 with over 280 members in the group. All proceeds go towards MacDonald for any incidentals that the accident cost and to help him get back on his feet during the recovery.
Crissie and Josh Morrow, close friends and next-door neighbours created the fundraiser two days after the accident had occurred on Sunday.
“I bawled my eyes out. I couldn’t believe it,” said Crissie. “I felt like I needed to do something and I didn’t know what to do so I got talking to a bunch of my girlfriends, we talked about it and we ran from there.”
Several local businesses have donated goods for a charity auction that will take place next Friday with details to follow. Items such as gift cards, a television, purses and cups are some of the many prizes that will be auctioned.
“The response from people and a lot of local businesses in Havelock, Madoc, Marmora and other places have been phenomenal,” said Crissie. “Over 50 different items have been donated for the auction we’re having next week.”
MacDonald has been a hockey referee for minor hockey in the past four years for Havelock and Norwood. Photo courtesy of Crissie Morrow.
The 22-year old crashed face-first resulting in brain hemorrhaging and a fractured left foot while dirt biking at Cordova Lake just north of Havelock on Sunday late afternoon.
He was airlifted to Kingston General Hospital and was sedated since the accident. The Havelock resident had a successful overnight craniotomy on Wednesday.
There is no timeline on when MacDonald will make a full recovery but it could be up to a year at least according to Crissie.
“We had a Zoom call with him and his mother last night (Wednesday),” said Crissie, “He’s breathing on his own and has been responsive to touch and the voices from his family.”
MacDonald grew up playing baseball, soccer and hockey in his teenage years. Photo courtesy of Crissie Morrow.
