It’s October and time for our community to shine a light on domestic violence all month long.
The month will start off with the official kick-off at Memorial Park with a live-streamed ceremony in respect of the COVID-19 guidelines to keep everyone safe. Check out the event on the Purple Light Nights of Hope Facebook Page – at 6:45 p.m. the event will begin. This year it will be abbreviated, to comply with the rules about gatherings, being no more than 10 people. We ask that you join us online for the brief welcome, opening blessings by Elder Patricia John, Pastor Jeff Kuhn and a message from Mayor Peter Robb. This will be followed by Kieth Campbell, singing and the tree lighting.
A host of other events will be held in Hope, including the Paint the Town Purple decorating contest that awards businesses, organizations and others who demonstrate their creativity by using purple as their signature colour all month long. And let’s not forget the children, who will be able to complete a creative colouring page with their thoughts, pictures and words about who their rocks are – the people they can turn to for help and advice. Every child who enters will receive a temporary lightbulb tattoo.
There will also be events for people to create their own rock masterpieces – in small groups, of course – that they can hide for others to find, trade with friends and family or keep to remind them of the importance of shining a light on domestic violence and leaving no place to hide in our community.
Unique bookmarks will also available at the FVRD Library, Baker’s Books and ReadRight Society. These free, handy, informative markers will do more than save the page a reader was on; they might help save a life with their listing of phone numbers for organizations that provide help to victims of domestic violence.
Plus, every Friday is designated as Wear Purple Day to remind people to shine a light.
The District of Hope will be contributing a new purple lamppost in Memorial Park, as a permanent reminder that will shine a light on domestic violence for years to come. Stay tuned for the dedication date which will also be live-streamed on our Facebook page.
This year is different from all others due to COVID-19 but that doesn’t change the need for the Purple Light Nights message of support and hope for people struggling with domestic violence. Help is available and we will make sure that message is still delivered, loud and clear.