The family of Elijah Marsh, the three-year-old Toronto boy who died after wandering outside on a bitter cold morning, will be remembered at a visitation service on Thursday.
Elijah died last week after he left a family member's home by himself early in the morning. It's not clear how he managed to exit the low-rise apartment building without being detected.
Two volunteers later found the young boy's body approximately 300 metres from the apartment. He was taken to hospital, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
In the days following Elijah's tragic death, an online crowdfunding campaign raised nearly $175,000 to cover the funeral costs.
"I appreciate the time you have given me, but now it’s time to say thank you for your donations," Elijah's mother, Georgette Marsh, said in a statement on Monday.
"It is surreal and I am overwhelmed with appreciation and gratitude. I know so many people, people who don't know (my son), love him and feel for me," she said.
Elijah's family has extended an invitation to the public to attend the visitation, funeral and burial services. The public can also write messages to the family on a Facebook page honouring Elijah Marsh.
The visitation service will be held at Vescio Funeral Home, located at 2080 Dufferin St., on Thursday between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The funeral service will be held at St. Matthew's United Church, located at 729 St. Clair Ave. West, at 11 a.m. Saturday. The burial will follow at Prospect Cemetery, located at 1450 St. Clair Ave. West.
