Malik McDonnell-Mills

Last update:

Karim, Kissie, and the family wanted to again thank everyone who donated and everyone who sent messages, called, and came to the funeral. Your kindness and love are truly appreciated. We are going to close the GoFundMe as we have been able to cover all the costs completely. Due to your generosity, we were able to provide a beautiful service for Malik, purchase a headstone and purchase Malik's plot. We are happy all of Malik’s friends were able to attend. We believe Malik would have been extremely happy with our send-off. Karim wanted to again thank everyone who came to Malik’s vigil and wants everyone to know he is eternally grateful for all the love the community has shown Malik and our family. The love from the community has kickstarted his healing journey. Special thank you to the London Police, Northview Funeral Chapel, and St. Peters Cemetry for all your support and help during this extremely

difficult time.

I wanted to provide transparency regarding the costs, and breakdown of discretionary benefits/victim services:

Discretionary benefits/victim services cover the basic amount for the funeral (cheapest casket and service). You can only use discretionary benefits or victim services, but not both. The memorial cards for the funeral service, reception rental, food for the reception, and the Free Press obituary are not included. The plot that would have been covered, is in a certain section specific to those who had discretionary benefits pay for their plot. Due to both personal and religious reasons, Malik could only be buried and not cremated. We did not anticipate such high costs of a funeral and burial.

I have provided receipts in this post to show how the monies were used. We know it can be taboo, but we wanted to ensure no one had any doubts as to what the money was used for.

Casket/reception fee at the funeral home/memorial cards/Free Press Obituary $3637.47 – Paid in full.

Plot $3667.83 (includes $250 in cash donations) This expense was paid in two installments 50% deposit 2229.92 and then again $1437.91.

Headstone $2260 (50% of the cost)

Flowers $1134.49

Food $252 was paid from the GoFundMe, and the rest was paid for by the paternal family.

McDonalds donated coffee and muffins for the reception.

Maliks' outfit was paid for by his paternal aunties.

The outstanding balance that will be paid this week is: 792.01 (for the plot) and 2260 for the headstone (paid by a close family friend, Kissie and Karim)

Go Fund Me $11073 – fees $372.21 = 10,701.79 + $250 in cash = $10951.79

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.

Tragically on August 9, 2023, Malik’s life was cut short. He was a victim of a homicide. He was a brother and a son. He leaves behind many siblings and his parents. He was very close with all his siblings. Malik was kind, selfless and artistic. He loved music, video games and his friends. He had dreamed of creating music. He was fluent in 3 languages and extremely smart. He was 16 years old and had already accomplished so much. His potential was cut short and he has left a void in our family that can never be filled

We are asking for donations to cover the costs of his funeral expenses (costs not covered or above what is covered). Any funds left over will be put into college funds for his 3 younger siblings.

The family would like to thank everyone who came out to Malik’s Vigil, the people who organized the vigil, all of Malik’s friends and to all the community members who tried to help Malik when he was attacked. It gives us solace to know he was not alone in his final moments.

Thank you.

Update**

We want to sincerely thank everyone for their donations and for helping us reach our goal of $10,000. We have increased our goal to $15,000 due to unforeseen expenses we did not anticipate. We are trying to ensure the family does not face any financial hardships due to the cost of the funeral/burial.

The following items have been paid with the funds received so far:

Funeral $3637.47 paid in full

Plot 50% has been paid $2229.92

Headstone 50% has been paid $2260

Flowers paid in full $1134

What we are hoping to cover.

Food/drinks for reception - estimated cost $500

I am unsure of the total service fees for the Go Fund Me as of yet

Outstanding balance on the headstone $2260

Outstanding balance on the plot $2229.92

Update**

We are aware of Jen's go fund me page. This go fund me page was created on behalf of Malik's father and stepmother, both of whom raised Malik. Malik’s father and stepmother are responsible and in charge of the planning, organizing and financing of the funeral. Jen was to be a part of the go fund me but decided to create her own (unbeknownst to us). Emotions are high and not everyone agrees with one another. We can only hope the funds she raised will be used towards the funeral. I was trying not to address it publicly to remain respectful. People are free to choose who they would like to donate to. We can provide proof of payment once everything has been paid.

Thank you.