Victims and Survivors of Impaired Driving Gather for MADD Canada’s National Conference and Candlelight Vigil
24 May 2024 - 2:00PM
Over 100 people from across the country will gather this weekend at
MADD Canada’s annual National Conference for Victims and Survivors
of Impaired Driving and Candlelight Vigil of Hope and Remembrance.
MADD Canada’s National President, Tanya Hansen Pratt, remembers
attending the conference for the first time after losing her
mother, Beryl, in 1999. “I was really nervous when I arrived, not
knowing what to expect, but I remember feeling lighter and more
hopeful when I left. I was still grieving but I knew I wasn’t
alone. Now, in my role as National President, I am supporting
others who are attending for their first time.”
Attendees will share experiences, gain new coping tools and make
meaningful connections with others who have experienced similar
loss and trauma. Keynote speakers and workshop sessions will
provide support, hope and resources to help deal with the losses
and injuries suffered as a result of impaired driving. Topics
include myths about grief, understanding trauma after tragedy and
the criminal justice system and victims’ rights. Attendees can also
participate in art therapy, Indigenous drumming and chair yoga. A
specialized set of sessions for youth, aged 15 to 24 addresses the
challenges faced by young victims and survivors.
“Our conference is a space where victims and survivors are safe
and free to share their stories of loss and trauma, to learn from
and support one another and to gain information and resources that
will help them on their journeys,” said Steve Sullivan, MADD
Canada’s CEO. “We cannot bring back their loved ones or heal their
injuries, but delegates tell us every year that being among other
victims and survivors gives them comfort and strength. Our
conference is the only one if its kind in Canada.”
The Candlelight Vigil of Hope and Remembrance is a powerful and
emotional part of the conference. The Vigil gives victims and
survivors a chance to honour loved ones who have been killed and
acknowledge injuries sustained because of impaired driving. Photos
of victims and survivors are shown, a tribute is read and a candle
is lit for each victim and survivor.
“I have attended the conference several times now and seeing my
mom’s photo on the screen still hits me. I think of all the moments
she was not here for. So much was taken from my family, from
everyone attending the conference, because someone made the choice
to drive impaired,” said Hansen Pratt.
Media are welcome to attend the Vigil but
must RSVP in advance |
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Date: |
Saturday, May 25 |
Time: |
7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. |
Location: |
BMO Financial Group Institute for Learning, 3550
Pharmacy Ave., Scarborough, ON |
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MADD Canada thanks Justice Canada, Manitoba Justice, Department
of Justice and Public Safety PEI, Naimark Law, Province of Nova
Scotia – Civil Forfeiture Program, The Hamber Foundation, Turnbull
Building Community Foundation and the many Canadians who make
donations for their support of the conference.
With hundreds of Canadians killed and thousands more injured in
impaired driving crashes every year, the need for support and
services for victims and survivors remains one of the most
important things MADD Canada does. In addition to our annual
conference, we offer monthly virtual support groups, guidance
through the criminal justice system and support preparing Victim
Impact Statements and various tributes and memorials to honour
those impacted by impaired driving.
About MADD CanadaMADD Canada (Mothers Against
Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is
committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims
of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in almost 100
communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support
services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired
driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads. To learn
more, visit www.madd.ca.
For further information or to RSVP for the Candlelight
Vigil of Hope and Remembrance, contact: Dawn Regan, Chief
Operating Officer, MADD Canada at dregan@madd.ca or
905-330-7565.