There has been a tremendous outpouring of support for the family of a Fredericton boy who died suddenly while walking to school this week.
Garrett Blois was headed to Priestman Street Elementary when he suddenly collapsed Monday morning. The nine-year-old later died in hospital. His family says he suffered from a sudden cardiac event.
Blois was a Grade 4 student at Priestman Street and the school is now coming together to help the grieving family.
“It’s bigger than just the school. It has become a community support system,” says Principal Mary Evans.
Grief counsellors have been at the school since Monday and Evans says ensuring students get the support they need is a top priority.
“Making sure they feel safe within the school and loved and embraced and that has become our focus for the last few days…to focus our attention on them,” says Evans.
The school is also looking to support the Blois family. A fundraising breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, the same day as Blois’ funeral.
“We’re all parents on the committee and it really hit close to home and anything we can do to help them out,” says Heather Liddle, a member of the school’s parent support committee.
The breakfast is scheduled to take place from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. James Presbyterian Church on Hanwell Road.
Donation boxes have also been put in place around Fredericton. Committee members hope the donations will help cover some of the funeral costs.
“We have been emailing back and forth, the committee members, and saying how much our hearts have grown knowing how much the community is surrounding this family and helping them out,” says Liddle. “It’s unbelievable.”
The boy’s father, John Blois, said he is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the school and community.
When asked if there was anything people could to help, he said the family would appreciate donations of flowers for his son’s funeral.
He says his son loved being outdoors and would often pick flowers to give to others.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Nick Moore
