The lone survivor of an armed robbery and shooting at the University of Alberta’s HUB Mall spent time with friends and family at a fundraiser held in his honour on Saturday.

Cpl. Matthew Schuman is a firefighter at CFB Edmonton and worked part-time as a security guard with G4S. He was shot in the head on June 15, after an armed robbery on the University of Alberta campus.

Three of Schuman’s co-workers were killed in the shooting.

Schuman underwent brain surgery to remove the bullet from his head. He’s also gone through intensive rehabilitation and is on the road to receovery.

Saturday’s barbecue and show and shine was organized by Schuman’s colleagues at CFB Edmonton.

“He’s a crewmate of mine. The firefighters wanted to put together a really good fundraising event for him and his family,” said fundraiser organizer Mike Yorkston.

Yorkston said it was great to see Schuman take part in the day’s activities with his wife Jennifer and young son Landon.

“It’s overwhelming. We have so many people here. Everybody here has volunteered their time. It’s an honour to have the community come out and support Matt and it’s a blessing to have Matt and his family here today,” he said.

“He’s going to have disabilities because of the injury but the Schuman family, they’re very strong-willed and they’ve got a good head on their shoulders. It’s going to be a long road for him but he’s got tons of support.”

The fundraiser featured a helicopter, emergency vehicles, classic cars, a silent auction and a barbecue.

Many who came out to the fundraiser said they didn’t know Schuman personally, but say seeing him and knowing what he has overcome, is inspiring.

"A guy like Matt is the type of guy I'd like to hang out with, because he's definitely a strong-willed individual," said Jason Mitchell.

"He has the will to survive, that's for sure."

"Everybody has been behind him from day one and I think the turnout here is kind of a demonstration of that and I think it's awesome," said Schuman's Platoon Chief James Buckley.

All money raised from the fundraiser will go to support Schuman and his family.

Yorkston said anyone who is interested in donating to the trust fund can still do so online or at any TD Bank of Canada branch – Account # 27522  6347249  “In Trust for Matt Schuman”

With files from Amanda Anderson