On May 14, the Buffalo community suffered a devastating act of violence when a gunman opened fire at the Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue on the east side of the city, killing ten people and wounding three. Many have asked how to help.
In partnership with Tops, the National Compassion Fund has established the Buffalo 5/14 Survivors Fund to provide direct financial assistance to the survivors of the deceased and those directly affected by this tragedy. Tops has seeded this Survivors Fund with $500,000 to get it started.
“What happened was ruthless and heartbreaking,” said John Persons, President of Tops Friendly Markets. “Those that lost their lives will forever be in our hearts and will never be forgotten. Tops is committed to supporting those families affected and to help the community grieve and heal from this tragic event. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and we thank everyone for their incredible kindness.”
One hundred percent of the contributions donated to this Survivors Fund will go directly to families of those deceased as well as those injured, and those who were present in the store and experienced psychological trauma. Qualifying charitable donations to this fund are tax deductible. To make an online contribution, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/buffalo-survivors-fund or to write a check or for funds electronic transfer information, visit https://nationalcompassion.org/fund/buffalo-survivors-fund/.
Tops is forming a local Steering Committee, comprising community and business leaders, to establish the eligibility and distribution policies for the fund. In the coming weeks, additional details will be provided. The fund will be managed and operated by the NCF.
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