Former high school athletes have raised over $5,000 to support the family of their missing coach, Vanderhoof resident Tom Kelly, who disappeared on the Skeena River on July 12.
The bake sale alone raised $3,835, with the final amount totalling $5,420鈥攁ll for Kelly鈥檚 family to use as needed, whether for time off work, travel, or continued search efforts.
Ryder McKay and Charlee McIntyre, both 21, were coached by Kelly in basketball and soccer during their time at Nechako Valley Secondary School. When they heard about his disappearance, they said they felt compelled to act.
鈥淗e really made us feel like we were his kids too,鈥� said McKay. 鈥淗e genuinely cared about all of us and our well being."
The pair organized a bake sale with their former teammates and help from family friends. What began as a modest goal of raising $500 quickly grew into a community-wide effort.
Homemade treats poured in from community members for the sale on July 22 in the CO-OP Mall hallway, while local businesses like Tasty Tandoori, Cozy Corner and The Gifted Chef donated their services, and gift cards for auction.
McIntyre, who still plays and coaches basketball, credits Kelly and his wife, Shauna鈥攚ho also coached the team鈥攆or shaping her path.
"They coached us together, giving all their time and efforts," she said. "Just making the team feel like family and being like our parents."
The fundraiser also reflected a broader sentiment in the community.
鈥淲henever something tragic happens in Vanderhoof, a lot of people just come together to help out each other,鈥� said McKay.
"We wanted to be able to do something and also create opportunity for other people to do something," added McIntyre. She explained that since many people couldn鈥檛 travel to Terrace to assist in the search, the fundraiser offered a meaningful way for them to support the family.
Kelly鈥檚 dedication was legendary among his players. Stories of him rushing from his job at the West Fraser sawmill in Fraser Lake straight to practices or games鈥攕ometimes arriving mid-bite鈥攈ighlighted his unwavering commitment.
"One time we had a game in Prince George and he showed up eating a burger on the bench because he had gotten off work and come to the game," said McIntyre.
Kelly was last seen fishing on the Skeena River. His family noticed he was missing just minutes later.
His disappearance resulted in a full-scale search led by Terrace RCMP using search and rescue teams from both Terrace and Kitimat, as well as community volunteers.
The official search was called off by the afternoon of July 14, but volunteers continue search efforts.
In addition to the fundraiser, a separate GoFundMe page, , is nearing its $20,000 goal, with Kelly's family saying the money will be used for continued search expenses and equipment.
