An online crowdfunding campaign has been launched for a Chatham-Kent woman, who was injured this week in an industrial accident at Truly Green Farms on Bloomfield Road in Chatham.
The fundraiser on GoFundMe was created for Natasha Smids, 20, who was seriously injured in the incident.
In just six hours after being posted on Wednesday, January 8, the online campaign has raised $10,765, easily surpassing the $2,500 target.
Natasha’s uncle Jeff Hopman was the person who created the campaign.
“Natasha Smids is my niece and was involved in a horrifying workplace accident,” Hopman said on the GoFundMe page.
“She was airlifted to London where she will be staying in the hospital there for the foreseeable future. The outlook is unclear as she’s still in an induced coma and while we’re hopeful for a generous recovery, it’s unclear what the future holds. We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers greatly.”
Hopman said all of the proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Natasha’s future needs, not travel expenses etc.
“I set a goal of $2500, it just seemed like a nice round number, but honestly I don’t know what to expect here,” Hopman said.
“I’ve had a lot of people asking how they can help, to put it simply, this is how. I know personally I’ve felt helpless in this situation, or when someone else is going through some adversity, but donating always seems to make me feel like I at least did something. There’s no min or max. Just please consider helping.”
Chatham-Kent Police Service officials said in a press release that just before 1 p.m. on Monday afternoon, January 6, emergency crews responded to an industrial accident at Truly Green Farms on Bloomfield Road.
Police say a 20-year-old Chatham woman was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The Ministry of Labour was notified and has taken over the investigation, police say.
To donate to the cause, click here.
