It’s been nearly three years since the Miss Ally capsized off the coast of Nova Scotia and five young men were lost at sea.
On February 17, 2013 the lights on the fishing vessel malfunctioned. Despite a storm approaching, the crew stayed behind to try and locate their gear. A decision that proved to be fatal for all the men.
READ MORE: One year later: Miss Ally crew remembered
Following the tragedy, there was an outpouring of support for the families of Katlin Nickerson, Tyson Townsend, Steven Cole Nickerson, Joel Hopkins and Billy Jack Hatfield.
Three of the five men were fathers to young children when they died unexpectedly. The community of Woods Harbour, N.S., and the entire province rallied together looking for ways to help.
Silent auctions were held, benefits were organized and bracelets intertwined with an anchor were sold. The goal was to raise money for those left behind, but Global News has learned that not all of the money raised has been handed over to the families.
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The family and friends of at least one of the men confirms money that was donated to a trust at the Barrington Passage CIBC has never been distributed.
The family did not want their name published. They say the money that was donated by generous Nova Scotians is still sitting in a bank account and has never been given to the families.
More than $120,000 was raised through the trust.
The family says that the money was donated by people who were expecting it to provide immediate assistance to the families and help them care for their children, but they have never had access to it. They say they don’t want to come across as asking for money, but do feel people should know the money that has been donated is sitting in a bank account.
The woman in charge of the trust, Janine Dixon, did not want to be interviewed, but told Global News in a Facebook statement that “all involved already know where the money is and why so I feel that is not my place to discuss this.”
There is still no date in place for when the families will have access to the trust.
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