A lasting Community Memorial for Hiten Patel

My name is Jordan Kalpin and I'm the Chairman of the Preserve Thornhill Woods Ratepayers Association. Our community was devastated by the recent loss of Hiten Patel. Hiten was a model resident, community leader, crossing guard and hockey coach who supported and delighted so many of the families who call Thornhill Woods home. Many are struggling to find a way to help the family and preserve our memories of this wonderful human being.

The City of Vaughan has a Tree and Bench Dedication program that provides an opportunity for residents to beautify their neighbourhood and pay tribute to a person or occasion by purchasing a park bench or tree plaque. Residents can donate a bench or plaque to celebrate and memorialize the life of special people who have significantly contributed to a community and we can think of no better way to celebrate the life of Hiten Patel than by dedicating a park bench in the park that is directly beside Carville Mills Public School. The cost of dedicating a park bench is roughly $4,000 and we have set up this campaign to raise the necessary funds for this permanent monument to the life of Hiten Patel. We have spoken to the City of Vaughan Ward 4 Councillor Chris Ainsworth and he has endorsed the project and will help us gain the necessary approvals from the City of Vaughan.

More details on the City of Vaughan Tree and Bench Dedication Program can be found here: https://www.vaughan.ca/services/residential/parks_forestry_operations/parks_operations/tree_bench_dedication/Pages/default.aspx

If successful, The Preserve Thornhill Woods Ratepayers Association will submit all required paperwork and funding to make this permanent memorial a reality. Once the park bench has been successfully installed, we will also invite the community and public leaders to attend a ceremony unveiling this monument. Any funds raised that exceed our costs for this project will be donated directly to the Patel family.

Please help us make this project a reality by sponsoring our campaign.