People across the GTA and even the United States are banding together to stand up for Max Begley -- a 13-year-old boy with autism who was the subject of a shocking letter that suggested he be euthanized.
Several people have come forward with offers of money to either provide the boy's family with a vacation or for a reward in exchange for a positive identification on the letter writer.
Jeff MacGregor has started a crowdfunding campaign in Indiegogo in an effort to raise $3,500 for the family for "whatever they think will put a smile on Max's face."
"I want the Begley family to know that there is more love than hate in the world and that there is a community of people who think they are amazing, their son is amazing and they have every right to laugh, love, and play as much as they desire," MacGregor says on his campaign page. "They have every right to live life to its fullest."
The anonymous, typed letter was sent last Friday to a grandmother in Newcastle by someone who only identified herself as “one pissed off mother.” The letter complained about the woman’s “nuisance” grandson and suggested, among other things, the family move or have the boy euthanized and donate his "non-retarded" body parts to science.
“Go live in a trailer in the woods or something with your wild animal kid,” the letter says. “Nobody wants you living here and they don’t have the guts to tell you.”
After he heard about the letter, Utah resident Wade Huntley said he too raises a son with autism and that he is prepared to offer up all he can afford -- $100 -- to whomever can positively identify the author of the letter.
Huntley posted a message on his website, calling the author a “coward” who chose to hide behind an anonymous letter.
“Given the hurtful things that you have said, I doubt it will require any reward for someone to reveal who you are,” he said.
CP24 has received several phone calls from viewers who are also willing to offer a cash reward in exchange for the author’s identity.
“I have a nephew who is autistic,” said caller Elissa Murdoch who offered to add $100 to Huntley’s reward offer. “The whole bullying aspect of it, it is just a terrible thing.”
Meanwhile, the Newcastle community is rallying around the family offering them their support.
A motorcycle rally will be held outside the grandmother’s home on Friday at 7 p.m. There is also a fundraiser taking place at a park on Shipway Avenue Saturday afternoon. The family is expected to attend both events.
With files from The Canadian Press.
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