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UPDATE: Todd seeks help to attend European trial

Aydin Coban is charged for child porn and extortion
Todd
Carol Todd and daughter Amanda.

Carol Todd is reaching out to supporters for funds to fly to the Netherlands to attend the trial of a man charged with child pornography and extortion involving 39 people — and who is implicated in her daughter's 2012 suicide.

The Port Coquitlam mom and School District 43 learning services teacher has raised more than $5,000 towards her $10,000 goal to attend the trial, which is expected to start Jan. 25, although she does't plan to go until the first week in February. Originally, she hoped to raise $5,000 but the need to bring a support person and the exchange rate necessitated the larger donation request.

Todd said she expects the trial for Aydin Coban will be emotional for her but is necessary to prepare herself for what she hopes will his Canadian court case for charges laid by RCMP in relation to the cyberbullying of her daughter, Amanda Todd.

"I need to be as ready as I can be ready and this is one of the steps," Todd told The Tri-City News. "It might be a wrong decision but it could be a right one and if for some reason he doesn't come to Canada. And if I don't go, I will have missed my opportunity to see him face to face."

Showing support for Cobin's alleged victims is also important, Todd said, adding that the trial is not for her daughter's case but for the dozens of other children and families that have been affected by cyberbullying and online sexual exploitation.

"At least I know I'm showing my support for them, what they've gone through, what they are going through, what their children are feeling."

It's also important to raise awareness about the need for parents to talk to their children about dangers lurking online, Todd said.

"Almost everyone has a computer, tablet or smart phone, yet there are people in our community who are oblivious to the effects of technology on young people," she said.

Todd said she didn't want to use funds from the Amanda Todd Legacy Fund for the trip and while she's uncomfortable asking the public for money, she said her teaching salary isn't enough to cover the costs. In her crowdfunding blog at youcaring.com/caroltodd-732452, Todd says the money raised will be used for traveling expenses for herself and possibly a support person. Remaining funds will be used to support organizations that benefit young people.

Todd started the Amanda Todd Legacy, a non-profit society that focuses on awareness and prevention of bullying, cyber abuse and internet safety and provides resources and education for mental wellness and healthy living. Some funds have gone towards programs at School District 43 schools.