April 26, 2007

National Candlelight Vigil in Vancouver for Victims of Impaired Driving
Hundreds of families from across Canada gather at MADD Canada Vigil

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Greater Vancouver Chapter is co-hosting a national Candlelight Vigil as part of MADD Canada’s annual National Victims’ Weekend conference in Vancouver this year.  Nearly 300 family and friends are expected to attend the candlelight vigil ceremony on Saturday evening to be held at the Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites.

“This weekend is very important for our membership,” says Karen Dunham, MADD Canada’s National President. “Families and friends are able to share their experiences and come together to remember and pay tribute to loved ones who have been killed or injured as a result of an impaired driving crash. Our weekend provides guidance, companionship and support for those victims who are coping with traumatic, life-altering experiences.”

“The Candlelight Vigil is also an important reminder for all Canadians not to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs.” Mrs. Dunham adds, “Impaired driving is 100% preventable and there is no need for Canadians to have to grieve and suffer.”

Katie Gaba, the local Chapter’s Vice-president, is greeting her fellow-MADD volunteers as they arrive in the City. “The Greater Vancouver Chapter is very pleased to be co-hosting the events and the vigil this weekend.  Our community has seen its share of alcohol and drug impaired driving tragedies over the past few years. We hope that by having this national event in our community, that the message will get to the youth and those social drinkers who still need to learn to separate the activities of driving and drinking or toking.”

“This weekend, Vancouver will see the human faces behind impaired driving.  MADD wants to see an end to this needless human tragedy in our country,” says Ms. Gaba.   

The MADD Canada national conference is being billed “The Wings of Courage.” Those attending the weekend participate in sessions with grief, bereavement and injury experts, in interactive workshops, and in group discussions. The conference also features outstanding guest speakers who will inspire their listeners with their courageous stories.

The candlelight vigil ceremony is one of the highlights of the weekend and includes processionals with police and victims, music by the award-winning Infinitus String Quartet, and the lighting of candles in tribute of those loved ones killed or injured due to impaired driving.    

MEDIA NOTE:  Media is welcomed to the Candlelight Vigil Ceremony, commencing at 7:30 p.m.- 9:15 pm). The ceremony is being held at the Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites, 1763 Comox Street, Vancouver (west end).  To pre-arrange interviews, please call Chris George at 289-241-4095 and note that there will be no pre-ceremony interviews. 

For more information:

Karen Dunham
MADD Canada’s National President
(506) 650-7473

Katie Gaba
MADD Greater Vancouver Chapter Vice-president
(604) 812-5805

Also see:

MADD Canada offers helping hand to thousands of Canadians