Help Winnie’s Memory Live On

Hello, my name is Steph and I have created this fundraiser for my dear friend Aliesha and her son after the tragic loss of her beautiful little girl, Wynonna. She was just 2 years and 10 months old when her life was taken. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2021/05/11/man-charged-with-second-degree-murder-in-the-death-of-two-year-old-girl-in-torontos-west-end.html Aliesha is a young Indigenous woman who, before the murder of her daughter, had experienced more trauma than most people experience in a lifetime. Aliesha was at her most vulnerable when she and her two young children became the target of a predator. He promised them love, security, and a bright future only to shatter their lives on March 19th, 2021 when he took Winnie’s life. For the last 2 years, I was unable to share her tragedy and plight for justice due to the sensitive nature of the case and the publication ban. The ban is now lifted and Winnie’s murderer will be held accountable for his unspeakable acts. Truth be told, full justice was not served but Aliesha believes it is now in the hands of the Creator. This is what brings her peace. https://globalnews.ca/news/9757926/rodrigo-flores-romero-convicted-manslaughter/ https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/toronto-man-guilty-of-manslaughter-in-death-of-toddler-1.6435087 Aliesha has been on a healing journey these last two years trying to pull the pieces of her life together to make it stronger than ever for herself and more importantly her son. I will never understand how she finds the strength to get up daily, carry a gorgeous smile, and spread happiness to others after all she has been through. After Winnie’s passing, Aliesha shared that she would like help with a few specific things: 1. Housing security for her and her son while Aliesha attends post-secondary. She wants to ensure she has a small safety net. 2. Reborn doll of Winnie at the age she passed. 3. A memorial plaque at Humber River Hospital honouring Winnie’s life. 4. A memorial tree at Grandravine Community Centre honouring Winnie’s life. 5. Ability to finish the memorial piece on her back. 6. A quilt made from Winnie’s clothes and traditional regalia so she and her son can finally dance. Thank you for taking the time to hear her story. I hope we can come together as a community to wrap our arms around this young mother and son who have suffered in silence these last two years.