#DanforthStrong movement grows as people look for ways to help after shooting

“Our store is closed, all the businesses for the most part are closed.”

Routledge set up a GoFundMe campaign called Danforth Strong to help the victims and their families. There was also a GoFundMe campaign called Danforth Shooting Victims Fund circulating online.

“It’s the Danforth — we always come together,” Routledge said.

Meanwhile, social media users shouted out their favourite spots along the Danforth Monday, using the hashtags #TorontoStrong and #DanforthStrong and encouraging others to join in on supporting local businesses.

“Hey Toronto! What if this week we all tried to go to the #Danforth for dinner, or for an ice cream, or just for a walk,” tweeted actress Tara Spencer-Nairn of “Corner Gas” fame.

“Show support to our neighbours. We are a city of communities and we are nothing without each other!

Mark Sanagan, who lives in the area with his wife and twin eight-year-old daughters, said if it weren’t for the yellow police tape, he would have taken his family out for dinner at those same restaurants Monday night.

Sanagan said he’s “riled up” about the violence that has rattled the neighbourhood’s close-knit community, and he’s determined not to let the many family-owned businesses in the area be punished for it.

“I’m glad people will think about supporting the workers in this community, who were traumatized as well,” he said in an interview. “To not just be psychologically damaged, but financially damaged as well would be a double injury.”

Routledge said her daughter was at a local bar when the shooting happened Sunday night and called her to say, “Mom, I’m OK,” adding: “I saw everything.”

“She’s coping as you would expect somebody would cope, watching people fall like dominoes in front of her and hiding under a table and holding somebody’s baby,” Routledge said.

“The quick response of all the first responders was amazing. I’ve never seen so many police cars in my entire life.”

Victoria Ahearn and Adina Bresge, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

#DanforthStrong movement grows as people look for ways to help after shooting

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