Community rallies behind #Abbystrong message in support of school stabbing victims

There is an outpouring of support in the community of Abbotsford, as residents band together after last week’s high school stabbing attack.

T-shirts and bumper stickers with the phrase #Abbystrong are being sold to show support for the victims.

Proceeds will go to the families of the victims: 13-year-old Grade 9 student Letisha Reimer, who was killed in the attack, and her 14-year-old friend, who was injured.

READ MORE: Remembering Letisha Reimer

The suspect, 21-year-old Gabriel Klein, appeared in court this week to face one charge each of second-degree murder and aggravated assault.

The #Abbystrong project was started by Josh and Gina Vanderheide.

Gina is a teacher at Abbotsford Senior Secondary, where the attack happened.

“We can’t change what happened,” said Josh Vanderheide. “But what we can do is rally with the strength of the community to support each other and that’s how we will get through it.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We can't change what happened," said Josh Vanderheide. "But what we can do is rally with the strength of the community to support each other and that's how we will get through it."

Organizers say they hope the message will help display the strength and resolve of the community.

WATCH: 13-year-old Letisha Reimer touched the hearts of many 

1:27 Community comes together to remember Abbotsford teen Letisha Reimer

A GoFundMe page has already raised more than $50,000 for Reimer’s family.

A formal celebration of life for Reimer will be held at Central Heights Church in Abbotsford on Saturday.

The t-shirts and stickers can be purchased at the following locations across Abbotsford: Abbotsford City Hall, Spruce Collective, UFV Bookstore, Field House Brewing Co., Highstreet Shopping Centre and Whatcom Liquor Store.

More information can be found here.