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Fund set up after Burnaby cyclist killed in hit-and-run

Burnaby resident Charles Masala was killed after being struck in a hit-and-run, and now a GoFundMe page has been set up by Masala’s friends.

 Burnaby resident Charles Masala was a father to two young children. Photo: Screengrab / GoFundMeBurnaby resident Charles Masala was a father to two young children. Photo: Screengrab / GoFundMe

Burnaby resident Charles Masala was killed after being struck by a suspected drunk driver.

Since then, people have been paying tribute to this well-respected father of two young children with tributes that include a “Ghost Bike” left at the scene of where he was killed.

Now, a GoFundMe page has been set up by Masala’s friends to help out his family.

“Charles was an amazing human being,” reads a post on the page. “His smile and laughter were so infectious it instantly lit up a room. No matter how you were feeling you couldn't help but smile back. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it whether he knew that person or not.”

Masala founded Dwankhozi Hope, an organization that has brought education to over 1,000 children in rural Zambia.

“Education transformed his own life and he was committed to ensuring that all children had access to educational opportunities,” reads the post. “Charles was an engineer by trade and used his unique gifts to build things and ensure progress. However, he gained most of his joy in the professional setting by mentoring younger engineers and helping those around him. Charles was a loving husband, a doting father, a beloved brother and a steadfast friend. Those of us who knew him are forever grateful for the time we had together and what he taught us. While his time on earth was much too short, his legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the organizations he transformed, and the family he loved.”