Latest news with #WalkertonDistrictCommunitySchool
CTV News
7 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Breslau restaurant and bakery raising funds for Walkerton school following tragic crash
A restaurant and bakery in Breslau is raising money for the Walkerton District Community School, which is mourning the loss of four students and a teacher killed in a crash last month. For all of June, proceeds from pies sold at Frannie's Restaurant & Bakery will go to the school. 'The money will be going to them directly so that they can put together a scholarship, or that they are able to put it into memory benches,' Fran Adsett, owner of Frannie's Restaurant & Bakery, said. 'Whatever the team wants to do with the fundraiser money.' Adsett wanted to do something to help after hearing about the crash. It happened on May 23 in Middlesex County. The collision involved two SUVs and a transport truck. Adsett decided to sell pies for $50, with $35 of each pie going straight to the school. 'Anyone that is looking to buy pie, you're more than welcome to come in and buy off the shelf, or otherwise you're more than welcome to call,' Adsett said. Frannie's Restaurant and Bakery in Breslau, Ont. A pie was photographed at Frannie's Restaurant & Bakery in Breslau, Ont. on June 2, 2025. (Colton Wiens/CTV News) Adsett has done other fundraisers before, but said this one hits close to home, as she once attended the school 'I was born and raised in Mildmay. My siblings and I went to school there. But I do a lot of things in the roots of the community, and I just feel that this is something strongly that they need the support,' Adsett said. Various types of pies are available, and Frannie's said they can also make a custom one. By request, for an extra five dollars. Anyone who wants to make a donation and not actually purchase a pie can do so as well. '[I'm a ] type one diabetic, who can't eat a pie, as much as I'd love to,' Betty Cecchetto, a customer that donated to the fundraiser on Monday said. 'This is just an opportunity for me to give back to my neighbors.' 'I'm a retired teacher, I'm a mother of children and grandchildren who play lots of sports. I know how important a team is. These guys have just taken the worst hit possible. Anything we can do to help the morale would be wonderful,' Cecchetto said. Fran Adsett Frannie's Restaurant & Bakery in Breslau, Ont. Fran Adsett packed up a pie at Frannie's Restaurant & Bakery in Breslau, Ont. on June 2, 2025. (Colton Wiens/CTV News) As for how it's going, Adsett said she put out flyers two days before the start of June, and lots of people have already helped the cause. 'In those two days prior, we already sold 30 pies. I am sure with lots of success, that we will raise a good amount of money for the team,' Adsett said. Orders can be made in person, or over the phone. Adsett said she will be driving up to the community to drop off a cheque when the fundraiser is over at the end of the month.
CBC
02-06-2025
- General
- CBC
Breslau baker selling pies to benefit Walkerton school after fatal crash
Fran Adsett says she felt like she needs to give back to the community where she grew up after hearing about the fatal crash that killed four students and a teacher from Walkerton District Community School last month. Adsett grew up in Mildmay, Ont., a neighbouring town to Walkerton, and her family is still there. She's now the owner and baker at Frannie's Restaurant and Bakery on Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph and the restaurant is known locally for its baked goods. "I have a strong background with going back home and supporting back home. So when I saw the story, my heart goes out to all of the family, the friends, the community, the team. So I just felt that I need to do something," Adsett said. "It's not just a town. It's not just a village — you're family." Four teenage girls from Walkerton District Community School were travelling home with their teacher on the afternoon of May 23 after a softball tournament east of London when they were involved in a crash with a transport truck. Rowan McLeod, Kaydance Ford, Danica Baker, Olivia Rourke and Mat Eckert were killed. Their deaths were acknowledged across Canada, including by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who wrote that it was an "unimaginable loss that no family, no classmate, no school should ever have to endure." Funeral services were held over the weekend for them. Throughout the month of June, Adsett will be selling her pies for $50, with the restaurant keeping about $14 for ingredients and the rest of the money going to the school. Adsett says she hopes the money could be used for the school's Riverhawks sports teams. "I know that there's lots of money that's going to the families, but my concern is for Riverhawks, for the actual team, so that they can have their mourning as well," she said. "They can do whatever they feel free to do in honour of all of the people that have passed away ... whether they want to do a scholarship, whether they want memorial benches, whatever the team as a family want to do, this money will go towards them." People can order a pie by contacting the restaurant.
Toronto Sun
31-05-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
Joint funeral held for 2 teens killed in crash that left 5 dead
Published May 31, 2025 • 3 minute read Hundreds gather in the parking lot of the Walkerton District Community School in Walkerton, Ont. for a vigil on Sunday, May 25, 2025. On May 23,, four students and a teacher from the school were killed in a car accident on the way back from a softball tournament in Dorchester, Ontario. Photo by Geoff Robins / THE CANADIAN PRESS Two teens killed in a crash near London, Ont. just over a week ago were remembered Saturday for their contagious smiles that 'could light up absolutely everything.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Hundreds attended the joint funeral service for Olivia Rourke, 17, and Danica Baker, 16, at the Walkerton Community Centre, along with nearly 1,000 who tuned in to a livestream. The pair were killed along with two other girls, Rowan McLeod and Kaydance Ford, and their 33-year-old coach Matt Eckert, who was a teacher at Walkerton District Community School. All five died when their sport utility vehicle collided with another SUV and a transport truck on May 23 while they were returning from a softball tournament in the area. A few family members and friends of both Rourke and Baker shared memories of the two girls during Saturday's service as dozens more classmates paid tribute wearing their athletic uniforms. The girls were described as joyful teammates who would sing 'at the top of their lungs' and dance 'without a care.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. As one friend put it, even after a moment of silence for the duo: 'Silence wasn't really their thing.' Clockwise from top left: Olivia Rourke; Danica Baker; Rowan McLeod; Kaydance Ford; and Matt Eckert. All were killed in a crash northeast of London on May 23, 2025. Rourke was 'the spunkiest, sassiest and coolest little girl,' said her cousin Rae in a eulogy, adding she was 'truly a bright light in our family.' Others praised her resolve. Friends said Rourke shone in gymnastics and loved other sports too, even those she wasn't the best at. She tried out for every team and had convinced herself that her sheer determination was going to win her athlete of the year. Rourke also had a presence for the stage and loved to act out a scene. Her 'witty jokes, positive energy and sassy remarks could bring a smile to anyone's face,' said Rae. PLANS 'LEFT UNFINISHED' 'What hurts the most is that we had so many plans that are now left unfinished,' her cousin said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We were going to tour universities in the fall, travel the world, and raise two little girls together that would be just like us. As we looked forward to these big moments in life, I never thought that Olivia wouldn't be experiencing them with me.' Baker's cousin Aislyn said she left a mark on everyone she met through her 'infectious smile, her goofy laugh and her positive and thoughtful presence.' Remembered as a gifted piano player and quiet leader, she was a perfectionist and 'vibrant young soul' who enjoyed expressing herself through her hair, makeup, nails and fashion. Baker was adventurous and independent — she enjoyed going to camp from a young age and wasn't afraid to go alone. She loved all sports, but found her passion on the volleyball court. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Not only did Danica have a gorgeous face, but a gorgeous soul too,' Aislyn said. 'Danica was just starting to blossom into this amazing independent and most caring person.' The Walkerton community, home to around 4,500 residents, continues to mourn the tragedy. Last weekend more than a thousand people gathered outside the girls' school to show support during a vigil. Dozens of support workers had a presence at the school this week as students and staff grieve. Bluewater District School Board director of education Lori Wilder said a memorial table had also been set up inside the school for the five victims. Chris Peabody, the mayor of Brockton, the municipality encompassing Walkerton, said the 'incomprehensible tragedy' has left the town devastated. Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared his condolences on social media a few days after the incident, saying the five deaths are heartbreaking. 'This is an unimaginable loss — one that no family, no classmate, no school should ever have to endure. Canadians are holding the Walkerton community in our hearts,' Carney wrote on X. Crime Toronto & GTA Columnists Ontario Columnists
Toronto Sun
31-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
Joint funeral to be held for two teens killed in crash that left five dead
Published May 31, 2025 • 1 minute read Hundreds gather in the parking lot of the Walkerton District Community School in Walkerton, Ont. for a vigil on Sunday, May 25, 2025. On May 23,, four students and a teacher from the school were killed in a car accident on the way back from a softball tournament in Dorchester, Ontario. Photo by Geoff Robins / THE CANADIAN PRESS A joint funeral service was set to be held Saturday in Walkerton, Ont. for two of the teens killed in a crash near London just over a week ago. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Olivia Rourke, 17, and Danica Baker, 16, died along with two other girls and a teacher when their sport utility vehicle collided with another SUV and a transport truck on May 23. The five, which also included students Rowan McLeod and Kaydance Fordt and teacher and coach Matt Eckert from Walkerton District Community School, had been returning from a sporting event in the area. Dozens of support workers had a presence at the school this week as students and staff mourn the loss. Bluewater District School Board director of education Lori Wilder said a memorial table had also been set up inside the school for the five victims. Chris Peabody, the mayor of Brockton, the municipality encompassing Walkerton, says the 'incomprehensible tragedy' has left the town devastated. Toronto & GTA Sunshine Girls Toronto & GTA Sunshine Girls Canada
CBC
29-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Ontario teacher and 4 teens killed in crash to be remembered at funerals this weekend
Funeral services will be held this weekend in several midwestern Ontario communities for the five victims of a multi-vehicle collision that sent shock waves of grief across the region. Four teenage girls from Walkerton District Community School were travelling home with their teacher last Friday afternoon after a softball tournament east of London, Ont., when they were involved in a crash with a transport truck. Rowan McLeod, Kaydance Ford, Danica Baker, Olivia Rourke and Mat Eckert were killed. Their deaths were acknowledged across Canada, including by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who wrote that it was an "unimaginable loss that no family, no classmate, no school should ever have to endure." Ontario Provincial Police said Thursday that they are continuing to investigate what happened on the rural road where a two-way stop intersects with a busier highway. Memorial announcements posted this week offered a window into the lives of the young women who are being remembered for their love of sport, their many "best friends," and the care they felt for their siblings and cousins. "Our world was forever changed on Friday, May 23, 2025, when our beloved Kaydance Lynne Ford passed away suddenly at just 16 years old," wrote the Ford family, who said their daughter excelled in athletics and in shop classes at school. Rowen's favourite colour was pink, and her family asked people to wear it on Sunday at the Chesley arena for a memorial. That small town, north of Walkerton in Bruce County, will be the site of two funerals, with a gathering Saturday at the Chesley ball diamond to remember Kaydance. Earlier on Saturday, a joint service for Olivia and Danica will be held at the Walkerton Community Centre. Olivia's family remembers her as a light in their lives, "full of kindness, laughter, dance, song and love," they wrote in a statement. "Her absence leaves a void that will never be filled and always remembered." Hundreds of people lit candles and marked a moment of silence at a vigil outside of the school in the days following the crash, with many people expressing the importance of being together to grieve. "It's an incredibly deep, deep scar this has inflicted on our community. It's going to take a long time to heal," said Chris Peabody, the mayor of Brockton, which includes Walkerton. Teacher remembered While students at the school where the teens attended are receiving grief counselling, staff too mourned a colleague they said brought laughter to the staff room and "whose presence made a difference." Eckert, 33, was not only a teacher and a coach, his family said, but someone whose dedication to service was apparent in everything he did. "His math lessons were more than just numbers — they were moments of connection. He took the time to truly see his students and athletes, often using his lunch breaks to build relationships, offer encouragement, and remind others of their worth," his family wrote. Known to his friends as "Ecky," some hung orange NorthStar lacrosse team shirts, where he was a coach, on their front porch. His funeral will be held on Sunday at an Owen Sound high school, where his family suggested we would have wanted people to wear "sweatpants tucked into socks and cozy footwear." To mark the teenagers' interest in sports, three families asked that donations be made to various local teams, including aerial gymnastics, broomball, minor hockey and baseball. The Ford family had also set up a bursary at the Walkerton school in Danica's name.
