It was a sombre scene at Edmonton’s Holy Trinity Anglican Church Sunday afternoon, as families of those killed in impaired driving collisions stopped to honour loved ones.
“Christmas is a really hard time for a lot of people who have lost a loved one. We just want to bring everyone together and show respect for the people that have passed- and let the families know that there is support for them,” Gillian Phillips, victim services manager with MADD Canada, said.
The Edmonton chapter of MADD Canada has been hosting the vigil, a few weeks before Christmas every year, for the past 15 years.
Phillips said the holidays are an especially difficult time for families.
“There are so many people that struggle through that time. It’s supposed to be happy and joyous,” she said.
The vigil is meant to bring families together and let them know they’re not alone.
“People come up to us afterwards and say they’re grateful that they had a place to come to and realize that they’re not alone,” she said. “To be able to spend a few hours with others who have been in a similar situation… it really helps people gather that strength to get through the next few days.”
According to MADD Canada, every day 4 people are killed and 190 people are injured in impaired driving incidents.
READ MORE: Edmonton MADD launches campaign to raise awareness about impaired driving impact
So far this year, over 3,800 people have been charged with impaired driving in Alberta.
“Some people, as much as they want to be be here, find it really difficult to take that step to come to an event like this,” Phillips said. “Because as much as we’re here for the support and comfort, it’s also extremely hard for people that are grieving and have lost a loved one to be here,” she added.
MADD Edmonton is hosting a support group on Dec. 13.
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