.png)
A Dallas Stars fan from Ontario has launched a memorial fund in honour of Mark Scheifele, following the sudden passing of the NHL star’s father, Brad.
In a post on reddit, a Stars fan donated to Kidsport Canada and asked other Stars fans to do the same after Mark still played in game six of the second round series of the Stanley Cup playoffs, just hours after finding out about his father's death.
"Thought it may be nice to come together if anyone's looking to show support," said the Stars fan. "Ended up making a donation in honour of Mark and his father to Kidsport Canada - Mark is an ambassador. Hoping others will join in and try to show some support."
He also encouraged fans to donate to the True North Youth Foundation, another organization near and dear to Scheifele and the Winnipeg Jets.
Donation for make scheifele
byu/DryProject1840 inDallasStars
It started with one $55.00 donation in honour of Mark's jersey number, and the donations continued to pour in.
"Jets fan here - this post/thread actually made me tear up," said a poster on reddit. "A gesture that speak volumes and is a display of true character. Thank you to all of you."
In just 24 hours, the True North Foundation had registered 800 donations, adding up to $50,000.
The original poster says even the Stars donated, giving the foundation $5,500.
"Takes a lot of character to do something like this for your series opponent," said another poster on reddit. "Should you win this series, you've got a bandwagon fan from Winnipeg in me. Mad respect to you all."
The True North Youth Foundation announced on Sunday that all of the funds raised will go toward setting up a scholarship in Brad's name, with hopes that it will be a recurring scholarship moving forward.
The amount of donations received by Kidsport Canada has not yet been released.