Online campaign raises thousands for funeral of 3-year-old Toronto boy

TORONTO — The heartbreaking story of a three-year-old boy who died after wandering away from a Toronto apartment into the bitter cold is prompting an outpouring of generosity from across the country.

Elijah Marsh walked out of the building early Thursday and was found about six hours later in the corner of a nearby backyard. He was rushed to hospital and police announced his death several hours later.

The news of Elijah's death was a "gut-wrenching moment" for Justin Kozuch, 36, a Toronto man who has a three-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter.

Kozuch says the tragedy really hit home, prompting him to start a fundraising campaign on Tilt.com to help raise money for the boy's funeral.

"As a parent we go to the ends of the earth to protect our children," he said. "For me, it was absolutely heartbreaking."

As of 1:30 p.m. Friday, more than $95,000 had already been raised, a response Kozuch calls "wonderful." Tilt.com is waiving all credit card fees for those who contribute.

He plans to meet with Elijah's family soon, although he doesn't yet know what he'll say to them when he offers them the money raised.

"I can't imagine what they're going through," he said.

On the pavement in front of the apartment building where Elijah was last seen alive, people left flowers and stuffed animals in memory of the little boy with the braided hair and happy smile.

"The death of this child must be truly devastating to the family and friends of Elijah, the many members of the law enforcement and medical community in Toronto, as well as the countless Torontonians who helped search for him, spread the message of his disappearance and prayed for his safe return," Kozuch said in his posting on the Tilt site.

Some contributors shared their thoughts after making a donation.

"This broke my heart," said Jennifer Yearwood. "It's the least I could do for that sweet little boy, Elijah."

"The generosity of people in times of such great loss and tragedy is heartwarming," said Dawn MacDonald. "God bless Elijah. You are now with the angels dear little man."

Security camera video showed Elijah, dressed only in a shirt, diaper and winter boots, pushing his way through two doors and leaving his grandmother's apartment building at about 4 a.m. Thursday when temperatures had fallen to about -20 C.

Family members, who notified police of his disappearance at about 7:30 a.m., said they had put him to bed Wednesday night and woke up to find him gone and the front door open, police said.

Officers on horseback, foot and in a helicopter searched for him, and police asked neighbours to check their yards, hallways and stairwells for the missing youngster.

Police Chief Bill Blair called it "a tragic set of circumstances."