Family and friends of Meesha-Chan Grubisic, the woman who died after being hit by a vehicle on Goldstream Avenue, are coming together to find ways to raise money to help provide a future for Grubisic's 11-year-old daughter, Ruby.
Grubisic died on Thursday, Feb. 13 while trying to grab ahold of her dog. Friend Kimanda Jarzebiak said the dog, a long-haired dachshund named Sailor, had somehow slipped free and was heading across the road. Grubisic went after the dog and was hit by a vehicle driven by a 50-year-old Kamloops man who failed to see Grubisic in time to stop.
The man was visibly distraught following the accident. Police say glare from the early morning sun may have played a factor in the collision.
Sailor, the dog, survived.
"It's just impossible to understand how someone with so much energy could be gone," Jarzebiak said. "She was one of the most vital people you'd ever meet. Tons of energy, always happy, always on the go, always solving problems. She's the type of person who wouldn't think twice if you needed something."
Jarzebiak said Grubisic had a deep love for all animals but especially dogs, and had even saved the life of Jarzebiak's dog almost exactly three years prior to the day of her death.
Grubisic had taken Jarzebiak's dog for a walk and her dog slipped on some ice and broke her spine. Grubisic managed to stabilize the dog's spine, get it breathing again and get it to an animal hospital.
Her death can only be described as a "tragedy," Jarzebiak said.
Now attentions are being turned to Grubisic's daughter. Ruby, who turns 12 next month, shares her mother's love of animals and is currently interested in pursuing a career as a veterinarian, working with endangered animals.
"What we're trying to do is figure out how to cushion her from the loss as much as possible," Jarzebiak said. "She's very much like her mother, she's very independent and intelligent and strong willed."
Jarzebiak has been involved in setting up a YouCaring.com account for anyone wishing to donate money to Ruby. At the time of writing $6,705 had been raised.
Ruby's aunt and uncle are also holding a garage sale at Grubisic's house. Jarzebiak said Grubisic was "the biggest fan ever" of antique and secondhand stores, and has quite a collection of items. Ruby has been through it to keep what she wants and now the rest will be sold to raise money for her future.
All money raised will be put towards Ruby's future education.
The garage sale runs Saturday, Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1211 Goldstream Ave.
Ruby's YouCaring account can be found here: http://www.youcaring.com/help-a-neighbor/honouring-meesha-helping-ruby/139103.