MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Wellington paid tribute, along with a crowd of about 100 people here July 28, to those killed and injured by drunk drivers in the county and across Canada.
Some 1,500 people are killed and thousands are injured each year by drunk drivers and, as part of the tribute, organizers released 1,500 butterflies at the ceremony held at the Lion’s Park in the south end of town.
For Brian and Lise McNally the ceremony also included a tribute to their daughter Katie who was killed by a drunk driver two-and-half-years ago near Palmerston.
She was 21 years old at the time. The driver was eventually convicted of second degree murder. A sketch of Katie was hung on the podium at the tribute.
“We certainly have mixed emotions,” Lise McNally of Farewell said following the ceremony, which saw the unveiling of a park bench donated by MADD. “We’re happy to expose MADD to the north part of the county.”
“We’re doing this for Katie,” she added. “It’s a real shame. We want this to be about MADD.”
Lise McNally is now a volunteer with MADD Wellington.
Gloria Appleby, victim services manager with MADD Canada, told those attending the ceremony that four people are killed each day by drunk drivers and another 176 are injured across Canada.
“Impaired driving is the number one criminal cause of death,” Appleby said.
She noted a promotional poster used at MADD events displays the pictures of some 600 victims, far short of the number actually impacted annually by drunk drivers.
Appleby said MADD hosts a national conference each year for families of victims who, according to her, fear coming to a convention at the start and during the final day express appreciation for the support.
MADD provides support for victims and their families.
“I believe in the power of sharing,” she said.
Marco Kennema, president of MADD Wellington, said the release of the butterflies symbolizes hope, friendship and peace.
He said releasing butterflies had a special significance for native Canadians who believed butterflies had a direct connection with the spirit world. Making a wish prior to a release, according to him, brought the wish directly to the attention of the spirits.
He urged people who consume alcohol at parties to arrange for a ride rather than drive themselves.
“I hope that one day in my life time or yours we will see the day we don’t have to release butterflies,” he said. “Stay the night, call a cab, call a friend or take a bus.”
