Whitecourt will be standing vigil this November

 

By Laura Bohnert

 

On Sunday, November 6, the Whitecourt Family Violence Initiative will be holding its 12^th annual Candlelight Vigil at the Seniors Circle.

 

The evening will begin around 5:30pm with a free light supper. At 6pm a candlelit silent walk will take individuals through the downtown streets. The walk will be followed by a keynote address that will be given by Allan Kehler at 7pm. The event will wrap up around 8pm.

 

The Candlelight Vigil is a free event, and all community members are welcome to attend.

 

“The Family Violence Initiative is a stakeholder group that meets regularly to discuss issues and trends regarding family violence in our community,” Michelle Jones, Family Violence Initiative Research Consultant, explains. “As a group, our role is to reduce the incidence of family violence through awareness, support, referral, intervention, and education. The mission of the initiative is that family violence is not acceptable.”

 

“The FVI stakeholder’s group started in 2004 in response to the growing number of family violence related incidences being experienced in our community,” Jones continues. “A grant opportunity through the Alberta Government became available allowing the FVI to contract individuals to conduct research on prevention programs, and to offer direct service to individuals and families affected by family violence.”

 

“Since the inception of the FVI, the candlelight vigil has occurred,” says Jones, “and this year marks the 12th year for this initiative.”

 

“Last year’s event hosted 78 participants, including men, women, and children,” Jones comments. “Our hope is that each year, more and more community members will embrace this event and join us in taking a stand against family violence.”

 

This year’s Vigil will feature guest speaker Allan Kehler, a survivor of domestic violence and severe addictions.

 

“His message is one of perseverance in overcoming challenges and how your past does not define your future,” Jones describes.

 

The event is particularly timely. “November is Prevention of Family Violence month in Alberta,” Jones explains. “The provincial theme is Reach Out, Speak Out, #ABFMPM, inspiring communities to take action now and in the future to end family violence and support survivors.”

 

“No single individual or organization is going to solve this complex issue alone,” Jones urges. “Events such as the Candlelight Vigil and the FVI Awareness Dinner prove that, as a community, we will stand united and together. We can end family violence.”

 

For more information about the event, visit the Whitecourt Family Violence Initiative’s Facebook page.