Kurtis Hawkins says he felt compelled to help a young woman who was attacked while walking to work last month. The 25-year-old woman is still fighting for her life in a Calgary hospital.
Although Hawkins does not know the victim, his girlfriend is the woman’s co-worker. Hawkins put his creativity to use – designing special shirts and hoodies, inspired by the woman’s family.
“This design was inspired by the family. The saying at the bottom is what the husband had carved out for the victim,” Hawkins, operations manager at Players Bench Team Apparel, said.
“He carved a flower in the back of a piece of wood and she loved it dearly.”
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All of the profits will be donated to the woman’s family. The company already sells team and business apparel, so Hawkins said it seemed to be a natural fit.
Another company in Lethbridge is also making car decals. Each decal goes for $5. with $4 going directly to the victim. The family said they just want to end the hate.
“They wanted to unite Lethbridge as a community and spread love. This is small way we can help convey that message for them,” Jamie Van Mill, of Xtreme Decalz, said.
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Van Mill said she hopes to see the decals everywhere, noting they are not only a symbol of support but also spread a message of unity.