Kira Salim, Lapu Lapu Day victim, was 'full of light'
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Kira Salim, a 34-year-old teacher-counsellor at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary School, has been identified as one of the victims in the April 26 events.
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'Kira was a valued member of our community whose wisdom and care for our middle and secondary school students had a powerful impact,' read a joint letter shared by board chair Maya Russell and superintendent Mark Davidson of the New Westminster school board. 'Their work, and the great spirit they brought to it, changed lives.
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'The loss of our friend and colleague has left us all shocked and heartbroken. We extend our deepest condolences to Kira's family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know them.'
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A relative in Brazil said the family is deeply shocked, and is not giving any interviews, but wanted to say that Kira was a 'truly brilliant soul.'
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An animal protection agency in Rio de Janeiro recounted the time Salim walked into an overcrowded shelter housing more than 1,000 abandoned dogs and deliberately chose one that a worker had labeled difficult and a biter.
When asked why they chose that dog, Salim said: 'If even the handler discriminates (against) her, she will never have a chance. I know if I don't adopt her today, I'll never get this out of my head.'
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Salim took the puppy — later named Zoe — to Canada when she moved.
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A GoFundMe page set up for Salim described them as 'full of light, joy and deeply loved' by those who knew them.
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The funds will go towards supporting Salim's partner Kim, their dog Zoe and five cats, said organizer Patricia Avelino, a friend and fellow Brazilian living in Canada.
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