Hundreds gather for bubble funeral procession for Kelowna toddler fatally struck by vehicle

Hundreds of Rutland residents gather Sunday afternoon to show their support for the family of a toddler who died after being hit by a vehicle last week.

Gaige Banman, one-and-a-half, died April 19 after being struck by a vehicle on McCurdy Road. The family invited their neighbours to join them in bringing home their son, following a private funeral held Sunday, April 26. 

READ MORE: Friends rally support for family of Kelowna toddler fatally struck by car

Thousands of bubbles were blown by residents, some even had bubble machines at their feet, to show their support as family members drove down McCurdy Road.

On Wednesday, hundreds of doorsteps around Kelowna and beyond were brightened with the warm glow of a candle as people expressed their support for the family.

A GoFundMe set up to support the family has nearly tripled its $7,500 goal.

Rutland couple Doug and Linda Cruikshank said they didn't know the family personally, but just wanted to show their support during the bubble funeral procession.

Locals also posted videos, and photos to the family's Facebook event page.


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Carli Berry

Carli Berry

Carli Berry has been telling stories in the Okanagan for the past three years and after finding her footing in the newspaper industry, joined the Infonews team in January 2020. Recipient of the 2019 MA Murray award for feature writing, Carli is passionate about stories that involve housing, business and the environment. Born on Vancouver Island, she is happy to say Okanagan Lake reminds, her slightly, of the ocean. Carli can be reached at (250) 864-7494 or email cberry@infonews.ca.