Support Cayden Carfrae's Family

Funds are being raised to support Rachael (Mother) and Dave (Stepdad) in covering transportation and funeral expenses after the tragic passing of their 24 year old son on February 12th, 2024.

Any leftover funds will be donated to non-profit organizations in the arts and youth sectors within the community. More info at the bottom of this fundraiser.

 

Left to grieve are his mother Rachael, stepfather Dave, younger brother Finley, younger sister Abby, step brothers Michael and Jonathan, other family members, partner Jess whom he had plans to propose to this past Valentine's day, as well as all other friends, community members, and the numerous people whose lives he touched.

Our hearts are shattered.

Cayden Carfrae, also Fast Flying Turtle Man, was one of the most genuine, gifted, heart-centered, spirit-led, and community-oriented individuals many of us have had the honor and privilege of meeting. He was the epitome of commitment, devotion and dedication. He devoted himself to his craft in particular, and through it to God/Creator, the youth, his family, friends, community and the world at large. Cayden worked diligently, creating music day and night for years on end, and actively showed up in the community.

Cayden focused heavily on community outreach, advocacy for indigenous voices in business, and was passionate about environmental + social justice. He centered his music around his story in hopes to bring value and relation to those who listen. He shared storytelling and raised awareness towards world issues in hopes to raise attention and vibration through art.

Cayden accomplished great feats in his 24 years of life. Most notable are his music (Spotify/SoundCloud/YouTube @ Caid Jones), the work he’s done in the community for the youth and the underserved, and the work he’s done across Canada for the youth of many different reserves.

Of his own accord, from the benevolence of his own heart, he started a Community Care Packages project where he gathered volunteers and put together + distributed care packages to women’s shelters. This is a project his friends have decided to continue annually.

For work, Cayden traveled to different reserves across Canada with N’we Jinan, leading and guiding youth in learning about and acquiring skills in sound recording, music production, songwriting and performance. Together, through Cayden’s guidance, positive encouragement and support, the youth of many different reserves created original songs that centered on themes of cultural identity, language, struggle, love and self-acceptance. He had also just started a job at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights as an assistant events coordinator.

He expressed great love for nature and animals, as did his dad Mike. After performing a show in British Columbia, Cayden spoke of how much he loved the fresh mountain air and being able to drink water trickling down from mountain streams, and how he would have liked to move out West. 

One of Cayden’s greatest qualities was that he embodied unconditional love. He accepted all people as they are, free of judgment. He uplifted the lives of everyone around him, especially through his caring and wise words of positive encouragement and his sense of humor. He was one of the funniest individuals around.

Cayden was always forgiving and understanding, seeing the best in people. He saw us all for who we are, reflections of one another and children of God/Creator. He knew that all humans are fundamentally the same - that our mishaps, mistreatments, downfalls, errors, and the hurt we cause others all stem from our own hurt, pain and trauma. He didn’t hold any grudges, resentment, bitterness or unforgiveness in his heart. For 24 years of age, this shows the extent of his maturity, love, understanding and wisdom.

Cayden’s love for others was boundless. He let go and moved forward, truly seeing the preciousness of each and every moment, of each and every day, of each and every life. He knew what was truly important and valuable - our connection and relationship to Creator and the love we show one another.

Cayden's dad, Mike, who he described as his shining star, his rock, his best friend, passed away a year ago. It was important to Cayden that his dad’s organs be donated, so the family is carrying that forward by donating Cayden’s heart and the rest of his organs.

Cayden was in Thunder Bay for work when he passed. Due to the nature of his death his body needs to be transported from Thunder Bay to Toronto for an autopsy, and afterwards back home to Winnipeg. These transportation fees alone could cost up to $6,000. The funeral expenses are currently unknown.

Any additional funds, after covering the family and funeral expenses, will go directly towards non-profit organizations in the community, such as those in the arts and youth sectors, to give back to the community which supported Cayden and which he supported and would have liked to continue supporting.

We are taking the time to discuss and decide which organizations additional funds will be donated to, in the case that we surpass our goal. We will keep you all up to date.

Whether it’s $5, $10, $20 or more, every single donation means the world to his family and to our community at large.

Thank you all for your continued support, love and prayers.

Watch Cayden's Episode on Manitoba Music

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UPDATE:

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has donated, shared, spread the word or supported in one manner or another. The amount of support Cayden’s family has already received is incredibly-heartwarming. 

*UPDATE*

Thank you SO MUCH to all of you who’ve donated, shared, spread the word and have supported in one way or another. Most of the proceeds have gone to the Cayden Carfrae Memorial Fund where they’ll be allocated to the Graffiti Art Gallery, a local organization that provides youth programming for arts and music across the city. Financial support will be provided to young aspiring artists, who, like Cayden, endeavour to use their artistic talents as instruments of positive change. This is what Cayden would have wanted, to continue to inspire and uplift our youth.

Cayden Carfrae Memorial Fund