Enough money has now been raised to send the five bodies of a family killed in a house fire home to Pakistan for burial.
Fundraising efforts for surviving father and husband Hamid Farooq have reached roughly $49,000, enough for transportation and burial of the bodies in Pakistan, as well as other expenses for Farooq, said Shahina Siddiqui, president of the Islamic Social Services Association.
A memorial service was held on Monday for the five members of the Farooq family who died in the fire on Woodlark Place last week.
Hamid Farooq is the surviving member of the family. He gave an emotional speech Monday night, breaking down several times. He offered his thanks to Winnipeggers for all of their support and standing by his side during the past week.
"My children are the centre my world. My mother and my wife were my strength and I miss them," said Farooq Monday night.
The father and husband was at work when the fire broke out Tuesday evening.
Farooq's two daughters, age nine and four, wife and mother were rushed to hospital in critical condition, but later died. Police say the cause of death has been determined to be smoke inhalation.
Another child, an infant named Hoorya, was also sent to hospital in critical condition. Late Friday afternoon on Jan. 27, the family decided to take the infant off of life support, said Siddiqui.
Siddiqui said Farooq conveys his appreciation for the generosity Winnipeggers have shown. She asked that any other funds raised be used to set up a scholarship or fire victim fund.
