The remains of Edmonton woman Tiki Brook-Lyn Laverdiere, 25, were found near North Battleford. (supplied photo/Battlefords RCMP)

By Angela Brown

Community support

Locals provide travel cost support to Tiki Laverdiere’s family as court proceedings get underway

Jul 30, 2019 | 2:00 PM

As court proceedings related to Tiki Brook-Lyn Laverdiere’s death begin, people have come together to help the Edmonton woman’s family members cover travel costs to attend court.

RCMP found Laverdiere’s remains in a rural area outside North Battleford on July 11. Shayla Orthner, Danita Thomas, and Brent Checkosis are currently in custody facing charges related to her death.

“I know she [Laverdiere’s mother Carol] would like to be at as many court cases that she can,” Organizer Krista Fox said. “Unfortunately, she does live about four hours away. So I was thinking what can we do to help.”

Fox started a fundraiser draw on Sunday and by Monday evening it was sold out. The 50/50 draw was 100 tickets at $10 each. Of the $1,000 raised, the money was split evenly between the winner and Carol.

The winner was selected in a live online draw Monday night.

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Fox said she was touched by the community’s support.

“For me, that was really quick,” Fox said. “[Carol] is expected to be here this week, so I was doing it to help for the trip coming up.”

Fox said Carol has spoken of her dislike for North Battleford in the past because of what happened to her daughter, but continued support from members of the community has helped sway her mind.

“I think her feelings are a little different now,” Fox said. “She has a lot of burden on her, and I did this to hopefully lift some of that burden. I won’t be able to take away her pain, but if I can make her life a little bit easier, then that was my mission.”

Tiki was in North Battleford at the end of April to attend a funeral on the Thunderchild First Nation on April 27. She was reported missing May 12.

Fox has attended the court dates of the accused to show her solidarity for Laverdiere’s family.

She is a friend and spokesperson for missing North Battleford woman Ashley Morin’s family, and has also become a friend of Laverdiere’s family. Carol joined Morin’s family on a three-day walk from Saskatoon to North Battleford two weeks ago. Morin has been missing since July 2018.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow