CALGARY- As the city continues to grieve the loss of five promising, young students, Calgarians are trying to come together in solidarity.
Early Tuesday morning, five people at a party in Brentwood celebrating the end of classes were stabbed to death. 22-year-old Matthew de Grood now faces five counts of first-degree murder in connection with the case.
Those who live in the northwest neighbourhood have seen a steady stream of mourners, police and media at the home, ever since news broke.
“I think it will bring people closer together,” says Lahni Thompson, who has lived in Brentwood for five decades. “This is a very close neighbourhood.”
The retired social worker has cared for first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder, and says healing takes time.
“When people are grieving, you don’t get over it, you get through it,” she says. “Time does help, but so does looking after yourself, seeking help.”
The University of Calgary, where some of the victims went to school, has since put up a billboard that simply says “Hug A Student.”
As those who knew the victims continue to come to terms with their loss, the chaplain for both the U of C and Mount Royal University has been a comforting voice.
“The bond you form with others is greatly deepened by common suffering,” explains Tim Nethercott. “It’s a terrible thing to say, but that’s the fine thing that will come out of suffering is that you’ve suffered together.”
A condolence site has also been set up by the U of C, to provide people with a space to share their thoughts about the tragedy.
Three visitations are planned around the city this weekend, for some of the victims. A scholarship has also been set up in memory of Kaiti Perras.
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