GoFundMe for injured Belleville police officer surpasses $300K

Photo: Emily Chatwood

Const. Jeff Smith is in hospital recovering from wounds suffered during an exchange of gunfire with an individual outside a synagogue.

A GoFundMe campaign for a Belleville police officer has already surpassed its goal.

The account was launched on Monday support Const. Jeff Smith and his family following Sunday's shooting outside Sons of Jacob Synagogue.

The fundraiser was organized by members of the Jewish community in Toronto and has received support from donors across Canada.

Within about 12 hours since launching, the fundraiser had quickly reached it’s $18,000 goal, and has only grown since. As of publication, over $300,000 had been raised.

Smith was critically injured by gunfire while responding to the incident and remains in hospital in critical but stable condition.

Organizers say they are working with Belleville Police Service and Smith’s family to determine how the money will be distributed. The fundraiser will remain open indefinitely while Smith continues his recovery.

Story by Emily Chatwood

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