Thursday, September 16, 2021
VOLUME 4 I ISSUE 12
MERIDIANSOURCE.CA
SEE PAGES 15-18 FOR OUR INSIDEOUT - FALL EDITION 2021 PULL OUT FEATURE
Walk of Remembrance honours lost loved ones
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
TAYLOR WEAVER
EDITOR
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The sun was shining down on those mourning a loved one lost to suicide during the 11th annual Walk of Remembrance, in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day. The walk, which was held at the group picnic shelter in Bud Miller All Seasons Park on Saturday, was all about taking time to visit and share a special memory of a loved one. The meaningful event
included guest speakers, suicide prevention resources and information, and live music featuring Dylan Hansen and the Roughcuts. “We’re here to honour and remember those that have lost their lives to suicide,” said Shirley Scott, founder of the Walking Through Grief Society and one of the walk’s organizers. “We’re here for the families, to honour and recognize them, but we’re also here to promote awareness. This is
Left: Desiree Cornet-Wile speaks about being a buddy and not a bully during the 11th annual Walk of Remembrance at Bud Miller All Seasons Park on Saturday afternoon. Cornet-Wile tragically lost her 15-year-old son Jayden to suicide in 2019 and has been doing everything she can since to try to prevent other children and families from going through the same. Right: Bernadette Yelland, of Sask Mental Health and Addictions, passes out “Tear Cups” to attendees of Saturday’s Walk of Remembrance. Hockey jerseys were worn on Saturday in honour of Chad Crawford, who took his life on July 20 at the age of 29.
such a big thing and we need to be aware and not be isolated so people can come together and talk about their loved ones, and also talk about suicide and talk about how we can help prevent it. “Talking is very important, but I also think listening is very important. I can talk and talk, but if I don’t have someone who cares enough to listen, it doesn’t go anywhere.” This year’s attend-
ees wore hockey jerseys during the walk to honour the memory of Chad Crawford, who took his own life on July 20 at the age of 29. “That is a significant loss of a hockey coach and a hockey player and these are his support people who have come out to honour his memory, but to also give hope and encourage people to reach out,” said Scott. “Helping others is how and why I exist.
That’s my purpose and passion.” Scott is one of many passionate Walk of Remembrance organizing committee members such as Neil Harris, who has been involved in the walk for many years and was excited to return to in-person events after last year’s drive-thru style walk. “We’re really excited that we could do this in person,” he said. “Last year was a drive-thrustyle event where peo-
ple drove through and picked up a resource bag and did their remembrance, more or less on their own. Now we’re back outdoors at Bud Miller park and we can do the full event, so we’re really happy to be here doing this.” Resource bags were on hand for any and all attendees of the walk and included comfort items as well as resource information. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2