Funeral today for baby Elijah

UPDATE 9 A.M.

Hundreds lined up Saturday for the funeral of a Toronto boy whose death earlier this month touched the hearts of Canadians across the country.

Elijah Marsh died after he wandered out of his grandmother's apartment building in the middle of a frigid night wearing just a diaper, shirt and boots.

Mourners filled St. Matthews United Church to capacity while a nearby warming centre where people could sign a guestbook was also packed.

People lined the streets in front of the church for two hours before the service began but many were turned away after the church filled to capacity.

A pickup truck filled with flowers, and a school bus sat outside of the church, after bringing mourners from around the city.

Many mourners did not know the family directly but had young children and grandchildren and sympathized with the family of Elijah after his tragic death and were so touched by the tragic story they say they felt they had to attend.

Two online fundraising campaigns generated a tremendous response, one of which raised $173,557 over a few days.

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ORIGINAL:

A funeral will be held today for a three-year-old Toronto boy whose death last week touched the hearts of Canadians across the country.

Elijah Marsh died after he wandered out of his grandmother's apartment building in the middle of the night wearing just a diaper, shirt and boots.

The temperatures were bitterly cold and he was found dead.

A steady flow of people attended a visitation on Thursday, many of whom had never met the child or his family before the tragedy.

Two online fundraising campaigns generated a tremendous response, one of which raised $173,557 over a few days.

Elijah's family describe the little boy as unique, loving and wise beyond his years.

Today's funeral is open to the public.