Victims of impaired driving come together for vigil

Canadians gathered in Toronto this weekend at MADD Canada's 2008 National Victims' Weekend and Candlelight Vigil of Hope and Remembrance.

MADD Nipissing Chapter sent two victims to the national gathering where they were honoured at the Candlelight Vigil.

Full details are in the news release below.

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Hundreds of Canadians will be gathering in Toronto this weekend at MADD Canada's 2008 National Victims' Weekend and Candlelight Vigil of Hope and Remembrance. The weekend's highlight is a candlelight vigil service where family members and friends honour those loved ones killed and injured as a result of impaired driving.

"For all those who attend, the weekend sessions and the vigil are very fulfilling," says Margaret Miller, MADD Canada's National President. "There's the support and fellowship of a large extended family who are all coping with a loss of loved ones or life-changing injuries. In the conference sessions, empathetic and caring professionals and MADD members share their insights and provide support."

"For many, this weekend brings them closer to an inner peace to better deal with their traumatic, life-altering experience."

"The National Candlelight Vigil on Saturday evening is an opportunity for all victims to pay tribute to their loved ones or to acknowledge injuries caused by impaired drivers," and Mrs. Miller adds, "This service is very moving and holds a most special place in the hearts and minds of the families and friends present. Collectively, we share, reflect and pay tribute and, in this way, we're all strengthened."

Impact Auto Auctions is the Corporate Sponsor of the weekend sessions and vigil.

MADD Canada's conference is one of the National events planned as part of the Department of Justice's National Victims of Crime Awareness Week. During the weekend, MADD Canada will be unveiling its impactful new traveling Memorial Wall Banners featuring the faces of Canadian impaired driving victims – made possible with a grant from the Department of Justice Canada. Each year, the organization will update the banner with new photos.

This year, MADD Canada is one of the federal government's featured organizations: www.victimsweek.gc.ca/res/r66.html.

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