Neelin alumni raise $3,500 for sword attack victim

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This article was published 27/07/2025 (242 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two École Secondaire Neelin High School alumni donated about $3,500 to Chinonso Onuke, the sword attack victim, on Saturday on the front steps of the high school.

On June 10, Chinonsu Onuke, a 15-year-old Black student, was sent to the hospital with stab wounds to his chest, forearms, hands and thighs after a fellow student allegedly stabbed him with a sword.

The donation was raised through the sale of 181 “Neelin Strong” T-shirts, a grassroots initiative aimed at supporting Onuke’s recovery and showing solidarity with his family, one of the organizers, Emmy Elliott, told the Sun on Saturday.

“Jason Martens and I just did it,” she said. “We’re just old friends and former Neelin students who wanted to help. Jason works at a promotions company, and I asked if he could make the shirts. He said yes, and 100 per cent of the proceeds are going to Nonso’s family.”

The T-shirts, emblazoned with “Neelin Strong,” were made available online for two weeks, and the response was swift and generous, she explained.

“People from all over—individuals, businesses, current students, alumni, just clicked the link and ordered,” Elliott said. “Some people didn’t even care that much about getting the shirts. They just wanted to support the cause.”

Supporters picked up their pre-ordered shirts during Saturday’s gathering. Elliott said the strong turnout has already sparked conversations about possibly launching a second round of orders when the school year begins.

Onuke, his mother, Helen Onuke and other family members arrived at the school for the presentation, visibly touched by the gesture.

“I want to say thank you,” she told the Sun. “It’s very thoughtful. The support has been overwhelming. We didn’t expect it — it’s truly something we’ll always be grateful to God for.”

Onuke, who was recently discharged from wearing a supportive plate, also expressed his appreciation.

“I feel really great,” he said. “It’s really helpful, just a really good way to support the community.”

The Neelin student, who has been seen at public events in recent weeks, including one attended by Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, said his recovery is steadily progressing.

“It’s getting a lot smoother now. I can stretch my hands out more than before. My range of motion is improving,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting back on the basketball court someday — it’ll take time, but I’ll get there.”

While the fundraiser began as a small act of kindness, Elliott said the initiative has grown into something much bigger — a symbol of the strength and compassion of the Neelin community.

“We’re just super happy to support them,” she said. “You never imagine something like this happening, but when it does, people come together.”

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