As many of you know by now, we tragically lost an amazing man in our community North of Smokey. Clayton Organ -- a friend, husband, father, brother & son -- was taken away from us in the early hours on Christmas Eve.

The level of sadness we feel can't be explained...

Just 5 months ago we all came together to celebrate the amazing marriage to the love of his life, Jenna Organ (MacKinnon). He just had a birthday on December 21st but did not have the time to celebrate it because he was working all day. He was just about to start two weeks of vacation after many long hours working as a lineman for Nova Scotia Power. When Clayton wasn't out fixing power lines to restore the power to our community, he was working tirelessly to renovate his home before Christmas came. But most importantly, he was especially excited to spend this Christmas with Jenna and their 2 and 1/2 year old daughter Kylie.

Aside from being a hard worker, Clayton was a real human being. He was down to Earth and would literally do anything for anyone. He was loved by his community and will be forever missed.

Nothing will ever fill the hole that was left behind when Clayton died, but it is at this time that we are asking for your help. In lieu of flowers and gifts to the family, we are asking for financial donations to help cover the costs of funeral expenses and all of the things Clayton would have helped with when he was working hard for his family.

Funerals can cost anywhere from $7,000 and above, not to mention all of the expenses his family will face in the months to come. We set a goal of $10,000 for this campaign, but I believe that with the love and help of our community, we can exceed this goal!

UPDATE Dec 27th 10pm: Wow everyone! Amazing response, I can't believe it. If we could get $10,000 this quick, let's see if we can push it to $15,000! Every single cent is going to help this family
All proceeds will go directly to Clayton's family. Thanks everyone!

UPDATE Dec 29th 7pm: Thank you, everyone, for your generosity! We've surpassed our goal and every cent will go a long way to help this family. I want to list the names who donated via e-transfer in the order that they were received (I am not listing the exact amount each person donated this way because I did not get their permission to do so, but as you can tell by the total, everyone was very generous):

Jessica Doyle (message: "for the family of clay
Kathleen Chisolm

Tamara and Sean MacSween

Junior Briand (message: "so sad to hear the news about Clay!!")

Rachel Fricker (message: "I'm Claytons cousin on Jackies side. I grew up spending summers at their house and being closest in age, Clayton and I spent much time together. I cherise the memories and am heartbroken for his immediate family. Its shaken everyone. My love to his beautiful wife and baby girl. They have been in my thoughts and prayers. Sending what we can. All our love")