Vellinga Family in Need After Indiana State Fair Accident

Pink/Fuschia Ribbons for the Vellinga Family in Chatham - Photo from Facebook

A former Chatham-Kent sports family is in need following a devastating accident which made International news earlier this month when a stage at the Indiana State Fairground’s collapsed prior to a Sugarland concert.

Andrea Vellinga, 30, is the wife of  Mike Vellinga of Chatham-Kent. Andrea has been in a medically induced coma and critical, yet stable condition since the collapse, which killed 7 people and left more than 40 injured. Since then, family and friends have been rallying behind the Vellinga family to show support and help cover medical costs for Andrea. The Vellinga’s have a 4-year-old daughter named Lydia.

Mike Vellinga of Chatham, was a 7th round draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 1996 before moving on to play 10 years of professional hockey in the AHL, ECHL, and CHL. Vellinga’s greatest successes came in the East Coast Hockey League were he played a valuable role with multiple teams throughout his career including the Dayton Bombers, Johnstown Chiefs, and Long Beach Ice Dogs.

Chatham-Kent residents have been raising money for the family by purchasing fuschia/pink tree ribbons from Pizazz! Florals and Balloons in Chatham to help support the growing medical and financial needs of the families. Ribbons are still available by calling Pizazz.

As well, donations can be made to Andrea Vellinga’s church at www.iamcatalyst.org to help cover medical costs and other expenses. On the website, click on Catalyst Online and click on Vellinga Support.

Mike Vellinga’s former OHL team, the Guelph Storm have also rallied together to raise funds and have set up a donation page at Andrea Vellinga Fund, Click2Cause and will be raising additional funds at their home opener this year.