Last summer, Edmund Partridge Community School in Winnipeg, Manitoba, unexpectedly lost a dear, sweet student, Nelah Hotomani, on July 25, 2023. Nelah was just 12 years old. She was loved by all who knew her and had a supportive group of friends and a loving family. As her Grade 6 classroom teacher shared, Nelah brought a warm, calm energy to the classroom and was the kindest child to everyone around her. She was always smiling and could light up a room with just her smile. Nelah always thought of others first, checking in on her friends and making sure they felt included and never left behind.
On what would have been Nelah’s 13th birthday, on April 20, 2024, a few teachers, friends, and classmates visited her grave. The visit was emotional, but it was made more saddening by the fact that Nelah did not, and still does not, have a headstone. The staff at Edmund Partridge learned that the cost of a headstone is simply too much for the Hotomani family, who have been left behind with seven siblings and their parents.
A GoFundMe campaign, organized by Karli Wishnowski and Annette Greene, was created to support the Hotomani family in acquiring a headstone for Nelah. So far, the campaign has raised $270 CAD of the $5,000 goal, with donations from supporters like Crystal Meade, Karli Wishnowski, Kristy Landry, and Annette Greene. The fundraiser aims to ensure that in the months and years to come, visitors will be able to find Nelah’s resting place easily and leave behind tokens of love and gifts.
Note:This post was written and edited by Savannah Jackson, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.