The family of Rehtaeh Parsons is campaigning for online votes and funding to build a centre that would serve as a safe haven for youth.

“We feel the children of this community need a safe haven. They need somewhere to go,” says Rehtaeh’s mother, Leah Parsons.

The 17-year-old was taken off life support following a suicide attempt in April. Her family alleges she was sexually assaulted by four boys when she was 15 and that she was bullied after a photograph of the alleged incident was passed around her school.

She would have turned 18 on Monday and a candelight vigil was held in her honour Sunday evening.

Parsons says the Rae of Light Centre would offer a solution to youth who are struggling, as her daughter did, and has turned to the Internet for help.

“We as a community need to do more and want to do more in memory of Rehtaeh,” she says in a YouTube video promoting the centre.

The centre would be a place for teens to simply hang out or, if needed, seek help and counselling.

The project is in its infancy but youth advocates say there is a need in the community of Cole Harbour, N.S.

“There are over 10,000 adolescents living here and it’s one of the highest percentages of youth in the HRM boroughs and when you compare that to the amount of services offered here, there is a gap,” says youth advocate Andrew Middleton.

“Leah and Glen want to provide a centre and supports to youth who are going through a similar situation Rehtaeh went through.”

Parsons’ parents have joined the Aviva Community Fund in which dozens of charities compete for online votes that lead to funding.

The Rae of Light Centre is asking for up to $150,000 to get started. The proposal has made it to the semi-finals, but with only three days left, the votes are falling behind.

Middleton, who works with youth across Canada, is helping Parsons’ family get the centre started.

“It is simply about getting people to go online, sign up and vote. You can vote once a day,” says Middleton.

“One big push could leapfrog past a lot of entries and could move this campaign into the forefront.”

With files from CTV Atlantic's Kelland Sundahl