Fundraiser launched for recovering Calgary boy who nearly drowned in Enderby river
Published 6:00 pm Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Funds are being raised for the family of a Calgary boy who narrowly survived a drowning incident in the Shuswap River in Enderby over the B.C. Day long weekend.
Paul-Angelo Warren, nine, suffered a near-fatal drowning in the river at W.J. Tuey Regional Park Aug. 3. While swimming, Warren was trapped beneath the surface by driftwood. The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said in a press release that the boy was underwater for five to 10 minutes.
He was rescued thanks to the heroic efforts of nearby strangers, among them a group of off-duty health care professionals who happened to be at the beach that day, Warren’s father, Matthew, told The Morning Star last week.
A GoFundMe online fundraiser has now been launched to help the family through a difficult time.
“Today, Paul-Angelo is fighting for recovery in the ICU at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, surrounded by his family. Their son is in a medically induced coma and early testing is coming back positive,” reads the GoFundMe launched by Laura Bishop Aug. 8.
The Warrens are facing “overwhelming” financial hardship while they focus on their son’s recovery, the fundraiser states. Warren’s mother has had to stop working as a home care aid and self-employed cleaner to remain at her son’s bedside. Meanwhile, his father has been out of work without any employment benefits.
The family is sleeping wherever they can. Warren’s mom and brother are staying at the hospital while Matthew, the boy’s father, is sleeping in his truck so that he can remain nearby.
Matthew told The Morning Star it’s a stressful time for the family, as his son is relying on the use of breathing tubes due to damaged lungs.
“He wakes up and then they have to put him back under again,” he said.
“In the weeks ahead, they will also face high costs for travel, accommodations, meals, lost income, and eventually medical transportation back to Calgary when Paul-Angelo is well enough to return home,” reads the GoFundMe.
The GoFundMe has raised just over $21,000 towards its goal of $30,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
Matthew said whatever funds raised that his family doesn’t use will be donated to the Children’s Hospital “so they can help someone else in need.”
“We’re asking Calgarians and compassionate supporters everywhere to rally around this family during the most difficult time of their lives. Every donation, no matter the amount, will help ease the financial burden so they can focus on helping Paul-Angelo heal,” says the GoFundMe.
“Your support will remind the Warren family that they are not facing this journey alone.”
In an Aug. 9 update, Bishop said Warren’s lungs are getting stronger each day and the hope is he will soon be off his ventilator.
“He continues to squeeze his parents hands when asked,” Bishop wrote. “All very encouraging signs.”
Warren will need to be airlifted from B.C. to Alberta Children’s Hospital once he is strong enough, said Bishop, who hopes people will share his story to generate needed support.