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Jumpin’ for Justin

July 18, 2013   ·   0 Comments

Family and friends of the late Justin Keogh gathered at Sky Dive Toronto in Innisfil on the weekend to fulfill one of Justin’s birthday wishes.

“He passed away three days short of his 19th birthday and his wish was to skydive for his 19th birthday. Today we are fulfilling that wish and we’re honouring him,” said Wendy McBurnie, Justin’s aunt.

Justin passed away in a triple fatal car accident on the Adjala-Tosorontio Townline six months ago.

“We have 34 jumpers and we just had three more sign up, including my mother who is 73, so we’re celebrating this event for him and he’s up there with us making sure we all land safely.”

Those in attendance purchased t-shirts with Justin’s motto of “I believe I can fly” and also donned the insignia ‘1434e’ which is something Justin and his mom used to say to each other that stood for “I love you forever.”

As another tribute to Justin, family members wore his trademark bright red high top sneakers.

His mom Janette was overwhelmed of the support the event received and was grateful to those to pledged and participated.

“It’s been so amazing to feel the love and support from everyone,” she said. “We still have some really hard days, but planning this event has brought us healing. We’re giving back to an organization that really meant something to Justin. I know he’d think this is the coolest thing ever.”

As a cadet since the age of 12, it was something near and dear to his heart, so the family decided that all the money raised would go back to the Alliston Cadets squadron 73. They also decided to do an annual leadership award in his honour.

In order to raise money the jumpers collected pledges, Sky Dive Toronto gave back a chunk of each dive fee, they held an online auction and also received donations from businesses and individuals.

Roughly $6,000 has been raised to date.

Friends and family from all over the country and of all ages took part in the event.

“We’ve had a lot of support for this. It does feel very good. His best friends are here and they are going up to skydive. Our jumper from the furthest away came from Houston, BC. He just landed and we have someone from Regina, she’s another cadet and someone from Seattle,” Janette said.

“Someone was on cadet maneuver training and wasn’t allowed to be released. She ended up writing a letter and they ended up releasing her at 6 o’clock last night and she jumped right on a plane from Montreal and made it here.”

Donations are still being collected for the fund and can be made at the “Jump for Justin” Facebook page, through an e-transfer, a Pay Pal payment or go to any BMO location.

“We’re so grateful to everyone for participating in the event and all those that came out to support us and for all the donations for the good cause,” Janette said. “It was an amazing tribute to my son and we appreciate all the support.”

By Jeff Doner

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