The friends of a man who was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Saturday are trying to raise money to send his body back to his family in Zimbabwe.

Munyaradzi Sithole, known as “Munya” to his friends and family, moved to Canada ten years ago because he wanted a better life.

The 31-year-old was a recent graduate of the University of Waterloo’s geography program.

Even as a student, Sithole was able to send money back to his parents and four siblings in Zimbabwe.

He had just handed in his Master’s thesis and was looking for a job.

“His big smile could brighten everyone’s eyes,” says friend Vi Hgo. “I looked forward to that every day. I love his smile, it brightens every day.”

On Friday night Sithole was celebrating his 31st birthday with friends in Toronto.

“He was a really, really happy guy,” says Gershom Muhlandhla. “He was in such a good mood that day because of his birthday.”

Just a few hours later, while walking along St. Clair Avenue west of Keele Street, Sithole was struck by a minivan. Police say the driver fled the scene.

Sithole was taken to a Toronto hospital where he died from his injuries.

Muhlandhla was in disbelief when he saw news of the crash on TV. “They showed the scene of the accident and when they showed his shoe… I went to the [police].”

"He just can't be replaced," says Hgo. "I'm really sad that he's gone."

Sithole’s friends have started an online fundraising campaign. They're hoping to raise $30,000 to send his body back to Zimbabwe for burial.

“Our main goal is to repatriate his body so the family can say their final good-byes to their brother, their son,” says Ronald Maeresera.

As of Monday evening, they’ve raised more than $8,000 towards their goal.

Sithole’s friends are also trying to help his family come to terms with his loss. “In the part of the world we come from, you don’t just hit somebody and run,” says Muhlandhla. “If you hurt somebody, you can’t walk away from the situation.”

Toronto Police say the driver of the minivan is expected to turn themselves over to police custody on Tuesday.

-- With files from CTV Toronto