GoFundMe raises over $200K for family of girl struck, killed by SUV in Oakville

The family friends of a young girl killed while walking on the sidewalk in Oakville last week are looking to the community for support.

They’ve started a GoFundMe page for the Xu family as they grapple with the incident that killed 8-year-old Melody and left her mother recovering in hospital.

The GoFundMe has already raised more than $200,000 to support the family of a young girl described as being full of energy, and a loving friend, sister and daughter.

Family friend Anna Lopez describes 8-year-old Xu as positive, bubbly and caring.

“She’s that kid that you want your kid to be friends with,” said Lopez.

Melody Xu was killed last week when an SUV left a busy roadway in Oakville and hit the child and her mother on the sidewalk.

The 39-year-old is still in hospital, but is expected to survive.

A memorial has been set up at the scene on North Service Road in Oakville where Xu was killed last Thursday.

“Everyone’s grieving in their own way,” said Lopez.

Lopez says she has known the family for five years — since her daughter and Xu were in junior kindergarten together.

READ MORE: Child killed after being struck by vehicle in Oakville, police say

She has started a GoFundMe page, already raising more than $200,000, with a goal of $250,000 to help with legal costs, rehabilitation for the mother and funeral expenses.

“Just really came together as a community,” said Lopez. “Everyone’s rallied together: her hockey group, the entire hockey association, her school, the entire Chinese community; they’ve been extremely supportive. The family is just incredibly grateful.”

Lopez says Xu’s death has been a shock to her family and community.

Just two weeks ago Xu, her younger brother, and Lopez’s two children went trick-or-treating together.

She says Xu was a great skater and avid hockey player, and loved to spend time with her little brother.

“She was always so positive and bubbly,” said Lopez.

Halton police continue to investigate, and they are still looking to determine if speed was a factor in the crash.

A 47-year-old man has been charged.

“Our investigators did take witness statements and based on their investigation that evening, it did lead to a charge of dangerous operation of a conveyance to the occupant of the vehicle,” said Jeff Dillon with Halton Regional Police.

Lopez says they’re hoping to surpass their $250,000 goal, and says every penny will go to the family.

Anyone interested in donating to the “Sweet Melody” GoFundMe can go to the link here.

READ MORE: Missing girl last seen in Oakville may be in Markham, police say