The family of Niagara-on-the-Lake's Jaena Thompson has dedicated a bench at Sunset Beach in her memory.

They also have started a GoFundMe to help raise funds to go toward the cost of the bench.

“The loss of Jaena has been devastating and overwhelming for us. This memorial bench is a symbol of unity amongst us, her beloved family, her extended family, and dear friends. We want you all to visit this bench and reflect and honour Jaena's life. We are asking our dear friends and family for donations towards the cost of this bench,” says the GoFundMe post, signed by Wilma, Iain, Holly and Julia.

As of Wednesday the campaign had raised $1,990.

Jaena died of a fentanyl overdose in 2016. She was 19.

Her mother Wilma Thompson said they often would watch sunsets together often at Niagara Shores Park and the bench is a place to watch the sunset now in Jaena's memory.

She said while the bench was something she couldn't really afford, she decided to do it anyway and reach out to the community for help.

“For all her friends, it would be nice for them to sit and reflect and talk to her somewhere,” Wilma said.

Originally she said she wanted to dedicate a tree at Ryerson Park to Jaena, but the Town of NOTL said no and suggested she plant one at the library instead.