Neighbours helping neighbours is the goal behind the Streicher Family Benefit Dinner and Auction, to be held July 25.
“All monies collected and all proceeds will be donated directly to the Streicher family,” said Rob Unsworth, a family friend and spokesperson for the family.
The community has rallied in support of the family of 13, ten of which were injured in a serious accident shortly after midnight on June 6.
Mark and Susan Streicher and eight of their children were injured when their horse and buggy was struck by vehicle from behind on Highway 9 close to the family’s home near Clifford. The family was returning home from a wedding.
Unsworth explained the accident scene required several ambulances, two helicopters and four hospitals, including Hamilton and London. The medical costs are ongoing.
Unsworth also noted that, as part of the Amish community, the Streicher family will not accept government support through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) despite being taxpayers, and they do not have medical insurance.
When he spoke to the Advertiser in an interview last month, Unsworth said plans were underway to hold some kind of a fundraiser to help the family.
“I’ve had calls from all over the region,” said Unsworth, who is impressed by the public’s willingness to help his friend’s family.
“It’s unbelievable. As soon as that article came out in the Wellington Advertiser my phone started ringing, and it hasn’t stopped since.”
He admits he has not been able to return everyone’s calls, as the focus has been to get the fundraiser together.
“The family can’t believe so many families from so far away would even care,” said Unsworth. “The family is grateful for the support people have shown.”
Unsworth and his wife Karen Bertin decided a dinner and auction would be the best way to bring the community together to show their support.
The July 25 event will include a silent auction and live auction, with a cold plate dinner to be held at the Clifford Arena.
“The benefit is being overseen by the Clifford Community Church,” said Unsworth. He added the Town of Minto is donating the hall for the event.
The auctions will include pies and quilts fitting with the Amish traditions, and other items too.
Unsworth acknowledged the incredible community support the family has enjoyed with offers to help drive them to medical appointments, including getting the parents to hospitals in London and Hamilton, when the two children, aged four and six, were in critical condition. Both children have now returned home.
The CIBC branch in Harriston created a trust fund account for the public to make donations to the family.
“The trust account is the best, safest way to support the family directly,” said Unsworth.
To make a donation, the account number is 6179 193 and the branch number is 01252.
“The Streicher family appreciates the donations, the prayers and well wishes to date,” said Unsworth. “They want to thank the firefighters, EMS and the doctors and nurses for their excellent care.”
Unsworth looks forward to bringing the community together for the July 25 benefit, to show their appreciation in a gathering.
The Streicher Family Benefit Dinner and Auction takes place July 25 at the Clifford Arena, at 2 Brown Street. The cold plate dinner is from 5 to 7:30pm, with the auction beginning at 7pm.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages six to 12, and children under five are free.
Anyone interested in helping with the dinner and auction or donating items should contact Rob Unsworth at 519-291-7840 or email streicherbenefit@gmail.com.
