National Newsletter - Summer 2011

Personal Stories Highlight MADD Canada’s Annual Victims’ Weekend

Personal stories of loss, grief, support and healing were the focus as victims of impaired driving came together for MADD Canada’s annual National Victims’ Weekend and Candlelight Vigil of Hope and Remembrance in April.

The theme for this year’s conference, “It’s all About the Stories”, was particularly fitting. Throughout the weekend, victims of impaired driving shared information about their own experiences, their healing processes and the supports and resources which helped them most. For everyone in attendance, knowing they are not alone and that help is available provided a tremendous sense of comfort, fellowship and empowerment.

“Two hundred people – hurting from the devastation caused by impaired driving, bravely came together to find hope and healing,” said Denise Dubyk, MADD Canada’s National President.
“Whether struggling with the loss of a loved one or dealing with injuries, the connections, the bonds and the sharing shone through.”

Delegates also participated in a number of keynote addresses and concurrent sessions covering a variety of topics, such as: sharing stories of loss, living with injuries, and understanding grief and trauma.

The weekend’s highlight was the Candlelight Vigil of Hope and Remembrance. With photos and the lighting of a single candle for each victim, the ceremony offered delegates a way to pay tribute to a loved one who has been killed or acknowledge injuries caused by impaired driving.

 

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