A fund - , established in Manmeet Alisher*'s memory by Brisbane City Council to support the family of Manmeet, a Council bus driver who was tragically killed on Friday 28 October 2016, has raised over $90,000 in less than three months.
Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner told that he was surprised at the generosity of people who had contributed to the fund.
"Ninety thousand dollars is a fantastic response from the community and you expect people to be touched when something like this happens. The Brisbane community has a big heart and this shows the size of that heart," he was quoted saying.
Of the total amount, $10,000 were donated by Brisbane City Council which was announced by Lord Mayor Graham Quirk at a council meeting in November last year.
Source: Facebook
At the announcement, Lord Mayor Quirk had said the best thing Brisbane people could do was to help Mr Sharma's family.
"For people of Brisbane, you need to know that Manmeet, although not overly paid as a bus driver – we know that driving buses is not a highly paid profession or occupation in our city – but in spite of that he was supporting his family back home," he'd said.
"So the best way we can assist his family at this time is not only through our words of condolence and sympathy, but also in a practical way.
"I would just ask today that the people of Brisbane seriously consider making a contribution to the fund set up to support Manmeet's family."
The largest donation amounting to $25,000, came from the Indian community which was raised in single day at a fund raising event held in Manmeet Alisher's memory.
Supporters of slain bus driver Manmeet Alisher outside the Brisbane Magistrates Court Source: AAP
Thousands came out in support of the family following Manmeet's tragic death in Brisbane in October last year where the much-loved member of Punjabi community was allegedly set alight by Anthony O'Donohue while he was on duty as a bus driver.
Vigils and condolence meets were organised across Australia by the Indian community which were attended by thousands.
The amount, $90,779 raised will go towards helping Manmeet's family in Punjab, India who were dependent on Manmeet.
Source: Tony Robertson
Manmeet's brother Amit had come to Australia to receive and take Manmeet's last remains to India where he was cremated at his village in Punjab in November last year.
The council also plans to build a memorial in Manmeet's memory in Brisbane.
*Manmeet Alisher was also known as Manmeet Sharma.
Follow SBS Hindi's Facebook Page for latest news and information.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ:
Bus in which Manmeet Alisher was allegedly burnt to death; destroyed
