The family of a Fernie man seriously injured in a workplace incident has thanked the community for its support after a silent auction raised nearly $33,000.
Rick Kennedy suffered a broken arm and head injuries when a tire he was changing exploded in a contractor maintenance shop at Teck Coal’s Greenhills Operations near Elkford on January 28.
LOOK BACK: Worker had been changing tire when it exploded at East Kootenay mine
He was flown in critical condition to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, where he remains.
The community has rallied for the Kennedys, with a silent auction attracting bids totalling $30,209.
Additional donations brought the total to $32,970.
In a statement provided to The Free Press, Rick’s wife Kim said she is “so thankful and overwhelmed to have the community from Elkford all the way to the South Country, as well as friends and family from all over to help us at this time”.
“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the silent auction. We can’t thank you enough,” she added.
LOOK BACK: Elk Valley community rallies for injured contractor
A GoFundMe page continues to attract donations and had raised $18,239 on Monday.
A trust fund has also been set up.
To donate to Rick and his family, visit Gofundme.com/rick-kennedy or contribute to the trust fund using the following details:
Kim Kennedy Trust Fund
East Kootenay Credit Union
Bank: 22330
Transit number: 809
Account number: 100001996826
For E-transfers, use the email rickkimkennedytrust@gmail.com and password “Fernie”.
All funds raised will go directly to the Kennedy family.