The family of a Walkerton teen who died in a collision last month is starting a foundation in her name.
The new Olivia Rourke Foundation, organized by her family, follows the crash which claimed the lives of four local students and a teacher.
The foundation will support youth-led community initiatives, as well as advance women in sport, and funding cancer-related charities and research.
The Rourke family says in a release, “Through the foundation, Olivia’s spirit will live on through every young leader who steps up, and every life that is touched by kindness.”
A silent auction is being held in response to the outpouring of support the family has received since Rourke’s passing.
“Friends, neighbours, businesses and people from all over the world have reached out in incredible ways, offering their time, donations, and condolences and encouragement. The auction is a way to honour that kindness and turn it into meaningful impact-raising funds for causes Olivia believed in while giving everyone a chance to participate and celebrate her memory in a heartfelt and lasting way,” says the Rourke family in a release.
The auction will be open until June 14 and will feature items like tickets to the Toronto Raptors, Maple Leafs, and Blue Jays, as well as a trip to see Chelsea FC in London, England.
Details about the foundation can be found here and the silent auction here.
Additionally, the Hoops for Hope three-on-three youth basketball tournament, which was being organized by Rourke before her death, will proceed this weekend as planned.
The tournament on Saturday aims to raise funds for Breast Cancer Canada, which the Rourke family says was important to Rourke as her mother was diagnosed and was successfully treated last year.
The tournament will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walkerton District Community School and will feature youth teams from the community.
There will also be a silent auction and raffle in support of Breast Cancer Canada.
One Teacher and Coach at Walkerton District Community School Vince Yenssen says Rourke poured her heart into organizing this event.
“The school community is dedicated to bringing her vision to life and honouring her legacy,” says Yenssen.
More details about the tournament can be found here.
