Toronto Raptors start fundraiser for family of hit-and-run victim

The tragic events surrounding a hit-and-run that left a toddler in a life-threatening state have caught the nation's attention, this time with a silver lining.

The hit and run made headlines, as Radiul Chowdhury, only four years old, was left hospitalized with serious injuries.

The culprit then fled the scene, and Toronto Police released photos of the suspects on Twitter asking for the public's help identifying them.

Ruhul Chowdhury, the father of the boy, told reporters that he forgives the driver, pleading to the driver, “If you just want to come to the police, hand over yourself, that would be great.”

The driver who hit Radiul Chowdhury in Toronto’s east end surrendered to police Monday. The man, who was driving a 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle, has been charged with leaving the scene causing bodily harm, driving a motor vehicle without a proper licence, and operating a motor vehicle without insurance.

Elsewhere in Hogtown, the Toronto Raptors made NBA as well as franchise history by becoming the first Canadian team to make it to the NBA Finals. As it turned out, the Raptors say that Ruhul Chowdhury is an employee of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) who also own the Raptors.

“We’ll be auctioning off a pair of tix to GM1 of the @NBA Finals w/ all proceeds being directly donated to the family,” the Raptors wrote Tuesday on Twitter.

A GoFundMe has also popped up for the Chowdhury family, launched by the father’s coworkers at the Real Sports Bar and Grill, which is owned by MLSE.

The fundraiser’s description states that “This campaign is to help support the Chowdhury family during this difficult time so they can care for their son.” As of now, the funds raised top out at just under $10,000.