(December 8, 2006)

On September 13, 2006, Canadians across the country were shocked by a shooting incident at Dawson College in Montreal where a gunman killed one student, and injured several others. The most seriously injured student, Leslie Markofsky, was shot twice in the head and spent five weeks in a coma and survived.

L-R: Craig Buntin, a young fan, Joannie Rochette and Leslie Markofsky at the 2006 Winter Sports Show in Montreal. Photo: Richard Dubois © 2006 - www.touchedubois.ca

The 23-year-old Concordia University student, who was visiting friends at Dawson College when the shooting occurred, is now able to walk and talk, but still faces a long rehabilitation period. Friends of the Markofsky family established a trust fund that will help with disabilities that may result from his injury and ease his re-entry to school life.

Markofsky, who was a ski instructor at Mont Tremblant, made his first public appearance Sunday November 26 at the Winter Sports Show at Place Bonaventure in Montreal where the organizers donated four booths to help the Leslie Markofsky Trust Fund with fundraising activities. People were invited to write well wishes and participate in a silent auction. 2006 Canadian ladies champion Joannie Rochette and 2006 Canadian pair champions Valérie Marcoux and Craig Buntin showed their support to Markofsky by being present at a booth and signing autographs and taking pictures with fans.

“It was great to talk to Leslie and see that he is getting through it. I followed the events in the media when it happened and felt touched by it because I’m also a College student in Montreal,” said Rochette.

Craig Buntin was also touched by Leslie Markofsky. Click here to read his testimonial.

A spring fashion show, sporting events and a gala evening are being planned by the founders of the Leslie Markofsky Trust Fund.