Rockaholics join CJAY92, local businesses to donate van, cash to family of Angela McKenzie
The mother of Angela McKenzie — the mother of five killed in a recent crash — was in tears as she and her five grandchildren were presented with a new van and $40,000 in cash and gift certificates Thursday.
Sylvia McKenzie is now the caregiver of the siblings, who range in age from nine to 17, as their father passed away in February.
McKenzie didn't have a vehicle big enough to accommodate all of her grandchildren and had been making several trips to get them all to school.
"They were super happy when that van rolled up they were pretty excited," said Larry McKenzie, the children's uncle. "It’s good, just the support of everyone in the community. Just knowing there are millions of people, or hundreds of thousands of people, out there supporting us and doing whatever they can to help."
Morning show hosts Jesse and JD from CJAY92, a sister station of CTV, wanted to support the McKenzie family and spearheaded an effort to donate $20,000 in cash. The hosts also brought House of Cars on board and the company donated the new van to the family.
South Trail Chrysler also donated $5,000, plus $2,500 in Superstore gift cards and an additional $2,500 in Walmart gift cards.
"When we heard the story, we mentioned it on the radio and we told our Rockaholics —that's what we call our listeners — that we wanted to help," said Jesse. "It was amazing to see how many of our listeners at CJAY92 wanted to help."
Angela McKenzie was killed in a late night crash on May 10 at the intersection of 17th Avenue and 36th Street S.E. when a stolen pickup truck smashed into the minivan she was driving.
Police are now searching for the man they believe was behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Silverado, Talal Amer. He is also accused of firing shots at another vehicle minutes prior to the crash.
Amer, who has a long criminal history and is a known gangster, is wanted on Canada-wide warrants for multiple charges including attempted murder, manslaughter and weapons offences.
On Wednesday, police released pictures of a vehicle parked nearby in hopes of speaking with the owner who is considered a potential witness.
They believe that driver may have given a ride to the 29-year-old, unaware of the shooting and crash that had just occurred.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near a major airbase at the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.