Vigils held to remember victims of violence

A moving vigil was held in Red Deer and Lacombe on Dec. 6 to remember victims of violence.

Attendees gathered at Red Deer City Hall Park and at gazebo in the Lacombe Memorial Centre park to bring awareness on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

This day marks 30 years since the tragic mass shooting at l’École Polytechnique de Montreal where 14 young women lost their lives in a senseless, targeted act of violence. December 6 is designated by Parliament as a national day to commemorate this tragedy and reflect on the troubling fact that for women, girls and LGBTQ2 individuals across our country violence continues to be a daily reality.

Attendees at the vigils were given candles and white roses to hold while various speakers made remarks about the impact of gender-based violence in our community.

Speakers at both parts of the vigil included Rayann Tonner from the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter, Patricia Arango of the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre, Debbie Barron of the Lacombe Victim Service Unit and Elder Corky Larsen.

City of Lacombe Councillor Thalia Hibbs addressed the group gathered under the gazebo on behalf of the City.

Both parts of the vigil were MCed by Kellie Cummings from the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre.