'We're all in it together': Winnipeg yard sale raises money for families of Nelson House boys killed by car

A Winnipeg woman shaken by the tragic death of three boys hit by a vehicle inNelson House First Nation inAprilis doing her part to help a community near to her heart.

Scarlette Starling, who is a member of First Nation but didn't grow up in the community, is hosting a charity yard sale this weekend at Dhillon Automotive in Winnipeg.

Proceeds will be splitbetween the families of the three boys and an initiative to create afootpath to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

"Icouldn't imagine my son going out to play and never coming home," said Starling, 31.

"It's just so sad that one part of the reserve doesn't have a safe walking path. It took three kids to die for someone to realizewe need a walking path."

Starling spoke toMarcel Moody, chief of theNisichawayasihkCree Nation, which includes NelsonHouse, to ensure shehad the community's blessing.

"He said, 'No matter if you don't live here, your heart will always be here,'" Starling said."I said, 'That's very much true.'"

Terrence Spence, 13, and 11-year-olds Mattheo Moore-Spence and Keethan Lobsterwereon their way home from a springtime trek, walking and riding their bikes, when they were hit by a vehicle the night of April28.

Two other boys, both cousins ofLobster, survived.

Since the tragedy, the community has heightened calls for lighting onthe road and a pedestrianpath along the side.

A GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs, support the families and implement safety measures like a biking trailhas raised $64,000.

Todd NormanLinklater, 27, also from Nelson House, is charged with numerous offences in relation to the crash, including impaired driving causing death.

Family members say they want to forgive the drivercharged in the death of three boys:

'We want him to know we forgive him': Nelson House families feel for man charged while mourning boys' death

6 years ago

Duration 2:12

Fellow community member charged with impaired driving

Starling wants the three families to know that many people are backing them.

"We're all in it together. We're all here to help one another," she said. "I don't live there, but I want to show you that I care."

Theyard sale, featuring a barbecue, face painting and an inflatable bouncy castle,is underwayatDhillon Automotive at 715 Pembina Hwy. until 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.