The community of New Westminster came together Thursday night in a show of unity with those affected by the Humboldt Broncos bus crash that claimed 16 lives.
Wearing a multi-coloured collection of sports jerseys, several hundred people — many parents and teens — turned out to Queens Park Arena for the event that was billed not so much as a vigil, but a show of support.
Speakers read out the names of the victims, followed by a moment of silence.
Andrew Takacs with the New Westminster Salmonbellies said being at the arena was about unity.
“Most of us are lacrosse players, we’re not hockey players. It’s still a community thing and we can really tell that brotherly bond is really important,” he said.
Eleven-year-old Salmonbelly Wren Glanville told Global News that despite the 1,700 kilometres separating them, his team felt connected to the victims of the crash.
“We’re all a team and it happened to another team so we need to, like, show that we’re, whole team, that we’re supporting them and that we’re there for them,” he said.
WATCH: Canadians wear jerseys to honour Humboldt Broncos
The tribute continued with speakers, followed by a somber rendition of amazing grace.
Community members also crafted hand written messages, which will be sent directly to the families of the crash victims.
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