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Transition Society remembers

Comox Valley Transition Society commemorates the annual Dec. 6 National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.

Once again, the Comox Valley Transition Society is holding two events to commemorate the annual Dec. 6 National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, also knows as the Montreal Massacre Memorial.

On Dec. 3, the Shoe Memorial will be in place on the plaza in front of the Comox Valley Art Gallery from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The memorial consists of dozens of pairs of women’s shoes, each with a note tucked inside with information about a woman who has been murdered as a result of male violence against women.

Heather Ney, executive director of the transition society states, “This is a powerful visual reminder of the lives that have been lost.  Like the Purple Ribbon Campaign, the Shoe Memorial is a way to remind our community that the problem of violence against women is still with us and will require everyone’s commitment to solve.

"We truly appreciate the willingness of the Art Gallery to partner with us for this annual event.”

On Dec. 6, at 7 p.m., there will be a vigil on the lawn of the courthouse. Vigils are held in many locations across Canada on this day, in memory of the 14 young women who were murdered in Montreal on Dec. 6, 1989 and in memory of all women who have gone missing or have been murdered.

Women, men and children are welcome to attend.

Anne Davis, program co-ordinator at the transition society, states, “Every one of those women was a sister, a daughter, a mother, an aunt. They are all missed by someone. Because all our services are confidential, this is the one time of the year when we join with other members of our community in honouring and remembering those whose lives have been taken from them.”

The Comox Valley Transition Society shelters about 250 women and children every year at Lilli House and receives about 1,300 crisis calls each year.

As well, through counseling programs and other services, hundreds more women are assisted and supported every year. The society also provides a range of education, awareness and prevention programs, many of which engage youth.

— Comox Valley Transition Society