Friends and family said goodbye to six-year-old Georgia Walsh on Monday afternoon during a funeral service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Bloor Street.
The little girl, who is the daughter of John Walsh, the president of the Conservative Party of Canada, was struck and killed by a passing van at a Leaside intersection on Wednesday afternoon.
Several politicians from all levels of government, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, attended the funeral in Toronto.
In a statement released Monday, the Walsh family said they were “overwhelmed” by the support and kindness they received from members of the community.
“Georgia was a special girl and though her passing leaves a giant hole in our hearts and our lives, the outpouring of love in the last five days speaks to who she was,” the statement read.
The family thanked the Leaside community for their support and also extended their gratitude to emergency responders, the City of Toronto and members of the congregation at St. Paul’s.
After the tragic accident, members of the Leaside community held a vigil for the little girl and set up a roadside memorial, which is now filled with teddy bears, flowers, and cards from residents.
The family pinned a note on the memorial indicating that all stuffed animals would be donated to SickKids and in lieu of flowers, the family has asked residents to make donations to the children's hospital. So far, $55,000 has already been donated to the SickKids Foundation in Georgia Walsh's name.
“As we seek solace in our faith and the memory of the kindness you have shared, please feel free to reach out and share your memories of Georgia in the days and weeks ahead,” the family said.
“The pink ribbons that line our streets have told us how much you loved Georgia and how we share this grieving with so many.”
