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Harmandeep Kaur (Submitted photo/GoFundMe)
campus vigil

Victim of UBCO attack honoured as family seeks justice

Mar 4, 2022 | 2:00 PM

A GoFundMe to help the family of a woman who was killed while working as a security guard at the University of B.C. Okanagan (UBCO) campus in Kelowna has raised more than $64,000.

Relatives of the victim, 24-year-old Harmandeep Kaur, said the funds will help her family with travel, funeral and legal costs as they pursue justice for the attack.

A man working as a janitor on the campus was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and may face murder charges.

Kaur had only recently become a permanent resident of Canada before she was attacked for unknown reasons in the early morning hours of Feb. 26.

UBC Okanagan is holding a vigil today for the victim who relatives describe as “endlessly fun, motivating, and loving.”

Family members said Kaur was originally from Kapurthla, Punjab, India, and came to Canada in 2015 with the dream of attending university and eventually becoming a paramedic. She moved to Kelowna in 2018.

“Despite the challenges she faced as she tried to make her way in a new country away from her family back home in India, she always kept her positive attitude and determined spirit,” said Kuljit Pabla, organizer of the fundraiser. “And after years of struggle, she finally recently received her permanent residency in January of this year and was incredibly excited to have her parents come visit her this April.”

Pabla said Kaur lost her young life while patrolling the campus she had hoped to one day walk as a student.

“At this point, we want justice for Harmandeep and her senseless, unprovoked, and devastating death. Her life was taken far too soon. The money raised will be essential in helping her family with travel and funeral costs as well as potential legal costs as we pursue justice for Harmandeep,” Pabla remarked.

Click here to access the GoFundMe.