In the News

MADD chapter to fund memorial garden
Williams Lake Tribune
November 5, 2009

The City of Williams Lake has approved the installation of a memorial garden to be located in the south west front corner of Boitanio Park.

The Williams Lake chapter of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) has offered to fund the construction of a memorial garden. The garden will be located in Boitanio Park in the south west front corner below the washrooms just off of 7th Avenue.

Pam Herman, vice-president for the Williams Lake chapter, along with board members Sharon and Ken Duffy, have been working on this project for some time.

“The Williams Chapter applied for a grant from the MADD National office and were successful in receiving $18,000 for the memorial garden,” Herman says.

“The MADD Williams Lake chapter put together a proposal for a memorial garden, which we felt would continue to give back to the community for years to come. Although the garden will be a peaceful and quiet place to honour all victims of impaired driving, it will also provide a place where anyone can find solace and reflect.

“Drinking and driving has many victims, not just those who have lost their lives or have been injured,” says Mayor Kerry Cook. “This memorial will help further the awareness that drinking and driving affects our entire community and has to stop.”

City staff is working closely with the Williams Lake Chapter and have developed a conceptual plan for the garden. The memorial garden will be constructed in the spring of 2010 and is expected to be completed by the end of May.

“This garden would be a place to remember loved ones and to be able to place a plaque in their memory,” Herman says. “We hope to hold a walk each year, ending at our MADD Memorial Garden; a time when the community can come together and talk about their losses and heal together.”

Impaired driving continues to be Canada’s number one criminal cause of death. On average, four Canadians are killed and 207 people are injured in an alcohol-related crash every day on roadways.

MADD Canada is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime.

MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads.

The MADD chapter of Williams Lake has 10 members; anyone who would like to become a member or would like to help out in any way is encouraged to call 250-267-2809.