Henry (Chunhui) Zhang – GoFundMe

A local hiker and friend of many of our members, Henry (Chunhui) Zhang, unexpectedly passed away on August 22nd, 2022, leaving behind his wife and two lovely daughters. The family was shocked and saddened by this loss and, unfortunately, not financially prepared.

Pacific Northwest Outdoor Association, partnered with West Coast Mountaineering Foundation, LaPower Running Society, Crossna, Vancouver Hiking Club and VanLearning as well as Henry’s friends and coworkers to launch a fundraising event for Henry’s family. PNOA set up an account on GoFundMe and received donations on behalf of all these organizations free of charge. All participating organizations also actively promoted this event to the public via all accessible media.

This event lasted for a month. 505 individuals and groups have donated $51,680 via GoFundMe while some others sent their donations to the family directly. At the end, a financial report was prepared and approved by all involved parties. On September 24th, the representatives of the participating organizations delivered a cheque of $50,023.72 to the grieving family.

Below is a letter from Henry’s wife, who is a brave woman with a big heart. It’s her wish that Henry’s tragedy serves as a warning sign to those who venture into nature, for less accidents and less sadness.

To all who love us: Thank you for the enormous support we have received, both spiritually and materially. Our whole family feels such deep love surrounding us. With such love, we feel comfort at the moment enduring sorrow and pain; and with such love, we shall regain the strength and confidence to live in peace in the rest of our lives. My husband, Henry (Canfix), was a sincere Christian. Anyone who knew him would understand that he was introverted, straightforward and considerate to others. He used to say that he lived to serve the Lord Jesus. He never took money seriously and spent it as he felt needed. As such we get into trouble financially now. I am very grateful to the various outdoor organizations. Because of your collective efforts, I am pleased to see that our overseas Chinese are united and endeavor to help each other. Thank you for your monetary contributions, for your thoughtfully made videos, for helping clean out Henry’s personal belongings, for lending your hands, my brothers, and sisters! My husband loved the nature created by God and enjoyed it. What I want to emphasize here is: please don’t take any risk. Please cherish your life for people who love you and people you love! I hope his tragedy serves as a warning sign to those who venture into nature for less accidents and less sadness.

Let’s pass on Henry’s spirit of loving others as loving yourselves.
Yours sincerely,

Dongmei (Henry’s wife)