The Muskoka community has delivered big on its commitment to support the family of Cody Nelson, raising more than $45,000 through several fundraising efforts.
Nelson, a 23-year-old Bracebridge man, died on May 21 after the motorcycle he was riding was struck by a vehicle on Eccelstone Drive.
Nelson was an employee at Sobeys Gravenhurst for more than two years. In response, the store collected monetary donations at their tills during the last week of May, with all proceeds going to Nelson’s two-and-a-half-year-old son and family.
According to Sobeys Gravenhurst owner Jesse Grimes, the store raised a total of $23,052.73 during the six-day campaign.
Nelson’s family has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and provide ongoing support for his son. As of June 2, the campaign has raised more than $22,000.
Nelson also previously worked at A&W Bracebridge, and according to the restaurant’s Facebook page, staff have launched a special fundraising initiative called “Cookies for Cody.” They will be selling their signature Cookies for Charity under the new name until July 31. The cookies are available for $3 each, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to Nelson’s family.
In a social media post announcing the campaign, A&W Bracebridge remembered Nelson as an ambitious and well-liked employee.
“Cody had big dreams, with big goals in mind – no challenge was too small or too big, and nothing was going to stand in his way. He quickly became a fan favourite by co-workers and customers bringing joy, humour, incredible work ethic and his contagious goofy grin to each shift. Cody was a bright light in our family when he was with us, and we will all miss him dearly,” stated the post.
The GoFundMe page can be found here.
