Two fundraisers have been launched to support Kashif Sheikh鈥檚 family after their Father鈥檚 Day tragedy.
The 46-year-old father of four died while rescuing his daughter on Sunday, June 21. Sheikh jumped into the water at Mill Creek Regional Park after his 13-year-old daughter slipped in.
鈥淒espite the best efforts of everyone involved, the 46-year-old man could not be resuscitated,鈥� Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy said.
Sheikh鈥檚 wife鈥檚 sister Isbah Barlas said due to COVID-19 restrictions at the border, they can鈥檛 travel to Canada to be with the young family. She said she organized the fundraiser after talking to other family members as a way to offer support for Sheikh鈥檚 wife and children.
鈥淲e鈥檙e a big family and we鈥檙e all in the States and we can鈥檛 be there to physically provide that moral support that she and the kids need right now,鈥� she said.
鈥淥ur hearts are breaking because we want to run over there and be with them鈥� when I heard the news, I鈥檓 in Kansas City, but I instinctively just ran to the door. I was like 鈥業 just need to be there right now, how can I get there?鈥�.鈥�
Barlas said some family members living in Seattle tried to drive to Delta but were turned away at the border.
鈥淚t鈥檚 just a very helpless feeling that we can鈥檛 be with our sister right now while her heart is breaking.鈥�
She said they want people to know their support for the family is appreciated, as they are providing the support that Sheikh can no longer give.
鈥淗e gave his life doing what he loved best, which was being a father,鈥� Barlas said.
Sheikh lived in Delta with his family and was working as a realtor for Nationwide Realty Corp. Before becoming a realtor, he was employed at the Vancouver International Airport.
His supervisor at Nationwide Ray Arneja described him as always smiling and relaxed.
Funds raised through both campaigns will go directly to Sheikh鈥檚 family.
To donate, visit or .
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