Summerland family targeted with racist graffiti fundraising for mural celebrating unity

SUMMERLAND (NEWS 1130) — A family whose windows were smashed and whose home was vandalized with racist graffiti is raising money to create a permanent mural with an anti-racist message in the town of Summerland.

The Lekhi family home was targeted Monday night, and police are investigating.

An online fundraiser to create a “sign of unity, a celebration of diversity, and a reflection of the positivity that resonates in Summerland” launched Wednesday, and surpassed its $10,000 goal in mere hours.

“Our family, along with the support of the District of Summerland, would like to raise funds to create a mural, a large sign or another eternal symbol that can be placed in our community,” reads the GoFundMe page. 

Donors expressed their support of the family, and condemned racism.

“I feel proud how you are turning this unspeakable act into something so honourable,” writes one.

“I donated because we can create a happy community without hate. Racism isn’t welcome in Summerland,” writes another.

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The family also has a request of those who can’t give money.

“If you aren’t able to, we hope you can start a conversation with those around you and explain to them that racism is not dead, racism is not a foreign concept and especially, that racism will not bring us down,” reads the fundraising page.