Virtual vigil planned for Nova Scotia shooting victims

DEBERT, NS – APRIL 20: A woman and her daughter place a heart on a fence at a growing memorial in front of the Debert School April 20, 2020 in Debert, Nova Scotia, Canada. Lisa McCully, a teacher at the school, was one of 23 people killed during Sunday’s shooting rampage, including the gunman. The rampage, which was Canada’s worst mass killing, began Saturday night in Portapique, and continued through other rural communities in the Maritime Provinces. Tim Krochak/Getty Images/AFP

 

By Thomas I. Likness
EBC Edmonton Bureau

EDMONTON (Eagle News) —The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the suffering of the survivors of that deadly mass shooting in Nova Scotia on the weekend.

Social distancing rules limits the size of funerals and memorials to just five people. And those attending have to be at least two metres from each other.

To help grieving relatives and friends, a virtual vigil has been planned for Friday, April 24.

The two-hour vigil begins at 6:00 p.m. EDT. It will be live streamed on the Facebook page called Colchester — Supporting our Communities.

The Facebook group was established to allow people to come together, share their experiences and express their emotions.

A website, www.heartcolchester.ca, has been set up that lists verified gofundme pages to support families of the victims.

“Colchester County is small — we all know the victims and their families,” reads a message on the website. “They are our neighbors, co-workers, loved ones and our friends. To see this happen has left a lasting impact that we are trying to soften for all those affected.”

“Thank you to the thousands of people who joined our Colchester – Supporting our Communities Facebook Group to post your messages,” it added. “We encourage you to help those in our community who need it most. It is truly inspiring to see people from all corners joining and offering your support and love.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated earlier he would take part in any virtual vigils.

“I have every intention of participating in the vigils, virtually, that I know many, many Canadians will be wanting to express their solidarity with the families in Nova Scotia who are grieving,” said Trudeau Monday.

 

(Eagle News Service)