After hearing of the tragic loss of two community members this month, Niagara-on-the-Lake business owner Sean Simpson took to social media to encourage peers to support the grieving families.

Simpson said as he was reflecting on Father’s Day, he was reminded of how lucky he is to be able to spend time with his family. His thoughts went to the saddening loss experienced by his friends and community members this past month, he said.

Earlier this month, Sarah Neufeld lost her husband Ryan Dunlop. A GoFundMe was created to help raise money to cover funeral costs, with any additional money raised going to their four children, Railyn, Ayden, Aubray and Abigayle, the GoFundMe page said. 

On June 12, Rachael Monaghan died, leaving behind Eddie Plut and their daughter Maya Jane. A GoFundMe was also created for the family to help “alleviate some of the financial stress for the road ahead,” the fundraising page stated.

“There’s a void in those lives, whether they’ve lost a mother in one case, or a father in the other,” Simpson said.

He said he made the post to let people know there are those in the community who need help.

“If anyone has the capacity to help then it could go to families who could potentially greatly benefit,” he said.

“You never know what other people are going through. When we think about how challenging life is right now, it gives us a reminder that there are people who walk among us who are facing even greater challenges,” he said.