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Trail bridge swathed in purple to shine a light on anti-violence campaigns

Throughout November, communities across Canada are lighting up in purple to support anti-violence campaigns.

If you’ve noticed the Trail bridge glowing in purple this month, there’s a meaningful reason behind it. 

The illumination is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness about anti-violence campaigns, including Shine the Light on Woman Abuse. 

Throughout November, communities across Canada are lighting up in purple to support these important movements. 

In Trail, the local Violence Against Women in Relationships (VAWIR) committee is encouraging residents to join the cause by displaying purple lights in their offices, homes, or public spaces through to Dec. 10. 

The committee asks for this action to take place particularly on Monday, Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. 

Call to action 

“At this time of year, the Trail Area VAWIR committee joins communities across the country and the world to focus on violence against women,” says Ann Godderis, speaking on behalf of the committee. 

“It is with great sadness that we must, yet again, call attention to this serious issue and ask residents to respond with caring, compassion, and a willingness to learn, to help increase awareness and support positive change.” 

The campaign aligns with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, running Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, and offers several ways for the community to participate. 

These include an educational display in the Mills Office Supply window, wearing white ribbons, and attending a special walk being organized by the BC Nurses Union (BCNU) for Thursday, Dec. 5. 

White ribbons 

This year marks 35 years since the Dec. 6, 1989, murder of 14 women at Polytechnique Montréal, an act of violent misogyny that shocked the nation. 

In 1991, Canada designated Dec. 6 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. 

The same year, a group of men in Ontario launched the White Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness about male violence against women. 

Now active in over 60 countries, the white ribbon symbolizes a pledge to “never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women and children.” 

Godderis encourages workplaces to distribute white ribbons, which are available for free through Trail Area VAWIR. 

On Sunday, Dec. 1, VAWIR members will distribute white ribbons and information at the 3 p.m. Trail Smoke Eaters home game. 

Memory walk 

In past years, VAWIR has hosted a December vigil to remember the women murdered in Montreal and the thousands more whose lives have been violently cut short before and since that tragic event. 

This year, in place of the annual vigil, BCNU members will hold a special gathering and memory walk on Thursday, Dec. 5, in response to a recent local tragedy that has deeply affected the community. 

On Monday, Nov. 4, Lindsay Danchella, a young mother and local nurse, tragically passed away from severe injuries allegedly inflicted by her estranged husband, Donald Danchella, 46, of Montrose. Donald Danchella was arrested at the scene that day and remains in custody, charged with second-degree murder. 

The outdoor event will honour women impacted by domestic violence. 

Organizers encourage the public to attend this meaningful gathering to support change and raise awareness about domestic violence. 

“Together, we will raise awareness, honour survivors, and take action toward breaking the cycle,” organizers shared. 

The event will begin at 5 p.m. on the Esplanade near the Trail library. 

Further details will be shared on social media or through BCNU’s Tamara Roscoe Facebook page.

National Day 

On the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Friday, Dec. 6, the City of Trail will shine the bridge purple, joining the country in remembering: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte, and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz. 

This national day is about remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence and those who we have lost to it. It is also a time to take action. Achieving a Canada free from gender-based violence requires everyone living in this country to educate themselves and their families and communities on gender-based violence, centre the voices of survivors in our actions and speak up against harmful behaviours.

Get involved 

Trail Area VAWIR committee is a coalition of local organizations working with women and children affected by violence. Those include: RCMP Victim Services, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, RCMP detachment, Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Ministry of Children and Family Development, The Skills Centre, Adult Probation and Trail FAIR’s Stopping the Violence Counselling, WINS Transition House, PEACE and Community Based Victim Services programs. 

For more information contact Ann Godderis, Trail FAIR: AGodderis@trailfair.ca | 250-364-2326 ext. 5046 or Zoe Dowdall, Skills Centre: zdowdall@skillscentre.ca | 250-368-6360 ext. 215. 

Show your support this November by shining a light on this critical issue. 

Together, we can create a community that fosters awareness, healing, and change. 



Sheri Regnier

About the Author: Sheri Regnier

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