Organizers of a fundraiser aiding efforts to bring the family of a city native who died in a Dec. 22 traffic collision in Thailand to live in Canada say the benefit, set for early next month, is an obligation to their friend Nathan Carveth.
"He would do the same for us. He was just a very giving guy," said Dave Howard, who is helping organize the Feb. 7 benefit at Mark's Finer Diner at 128 Lansdowne St. E.
Carveth is survived by his common-law wife Wi Siripayuk and their two children Brady Carveth, 5, and Narissa Carveth, 3.
His sudden death three days before Christmas was a complete shock to his friends and family back home, including his parents Rick and Bethel Carveth, younger brother Greg and sister Cori.
"It was awful. Very upsetting," said an emotional Howard, who has known Nathan since they went to high school together. They also lived together on different occasions.
Born and raised in Peterborough, Nathan was well-liked and has many friends in the city, Howard said, noting how he played pick up hockey and football in high school. He eventually travelled abroad and taught in Thailand, where he settled seven or eight years ago.
Money raised in the benefit will help the family with expenses as they get settled and go towards the kids' education, Howard said.
Nathan's remains and children will arrive in Canada soon, but the family is having difficulty with obtaining a visa for Siripayuk, he noted.
Organizers are looking for volunteers to staff the benefit and donations to auction to raise funds.
The Peterborough Lakers, which donated season tickets, are among local organizations already supporting the effort, Howard said.
He noted how giving area residents traditionally are in encouraging the community to do what it can to support those closest to Nathan. "We're just trying to raise money to support his family. We want to help them the best we can."
Anyone able to help is encouraged to contact Howard at howardhomeimprovements@hotmail.com and 705-748-4267 or Jason Stainthorpe at 289-404-8538.
Donations can also be made online or at any TD bank to account number 34342 004 6465531.
Cheques can be made out to Cori Carveth and Louise Gilbertson. Both names must appear on the cheque, organizers said.
jason.bain@sunmedia.ca