Walk honours Harrow family killed in case of intimate partner violence
A commemorative walk held in Harrow, Ont., on Saturday morning honoured a mother and her two children, who were killed in June.
About 200 people walked the pathway at the Harrow Soccer Complex as part of the walkathon, which raised funds for Hiatus House.
Carly Stannard-Walsh, 41, and her two children, Madison, 13, and Hunter, 8, were killed in their Harrow home in what police determined was a case of intimate partner violence.
“It is vital that women in abusive relationships realize how unsafe and even dangerous it is to stay in that kind of relationship,” Mary Stannard, Carly’s mother, said during brief remarks ahead of the walk.
“Hopefully, Carly, Madi and Hunter's story will help that realization.”
The 3.5-kilometre walk is part of Women Abuse Prevention Month, which aims to turn the community purple in an effort to raise more awareness, according to Hiatus House.
Community members taking part in the walk were dressed in purple, with some participants wearing shirts featuring the words “love shouldn’t hurt” and images of the Stannard-Walsh family.
Among those donning a commemorative shirt was James Stannard, Carly’s adopted brother.
“We had a bit of a falling out in the past, but we got back together in the last couple of years, which was really great considering we've recently lost them,” James said, reflecting on his relationship with his sister.
The two families would sometimes spend holidays together and their kids attended the same school, James said.
He noted a significant turnout on Saturday proved to be the latest showing of support from a community effort that’s “warmed” his heart since the tragedy in June.
“I'm glad that this is raising awareness for people, so they know that if they have a situation similar, and they don't talk to anybody about it, they have a quick way out so that this doesn't happen to them,” James said.
Funds raised from the walkathon will support Hiatus House in its efforts to build transitional housing, where a unit will be named in the family’s honour.
“So transitional housing will offer an apartment for women for about 18 to 24 months after they've left a violent relationship,” said Sylvie Guenther, Executive Director of Hiatus House.
As of about 1 p.m., more than $17,000 had been raised, with organizers expecting donations would exceed $20,000. The goal was originally set at $10,000.
While the walkathon generated “mixed emotions”, Guenther said events of this nature are important for growing awareness.
“It's empowering and it brings hope to see people come together like this and bring awareness to the issue because we need to keep talking about it so that people can overcome and make different decisions and know that there's help out there for them,” she said.
Hiatus House will continue to mark Women Abuse Prevention Month in the coming weeks, which includes a flag raising ceremony on Nov. 25 at City Hall.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'The best that we can be': Indigenous judge and TRC chair Murray Sinclair dies at 73
Murray Sinclair, who was born when Indigenous people did not yet have the right to vote, grew up to become one of the most decorated and influential people to work in Indigenous justice and advocacy.
India's Modi, Canada's Trudeau condemn violence at Hindu temple near Toronto
The prime ministers of India and Canada condemned violence that broke out on Sunday at a Hindu temple near Toronto at a time of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
She was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes about a year ago. Here's how her condition was reversed
A year ago, Lorraine O'Quinn was coping with stress, chronic illness and Type 2 diabetes. Then she discovered a health program that she says changed her life.
Frustration over Mideast war in America's largest Arab-majority city may push some away from Democrats
As an ongoing part of Omar on the Road: America Decides 2024, CTV National News visited the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus to talk to Arab-American students about why they’re feeling left out of the Democrats’ tent.
3 people arrested after incident during protest at Hindu temple in Brampton, Ont.: Peel police
Peel Regional Police say three people are in custody as they continue to investigate an incident during a demonstration at a Hindu temple in Brampton on Sunday.
Judge rules against Alberta casino, dinner theatre operator
An application to stay a receivership order of Mayfield Investments Ltd., a company that owns multiple businesses in Alberta including the Camrose Resort and Casino, Medicine Hat Lodge and Calgary's Stage West Dinner Theatre, has been denied by the court.
'Giving women agency over their health': How innovative solutions are filling the gaps in Canadian menopause care
In a 2022 survey conducted by Leger Canada for the Menopause Foundation of Canada, about 46 per cent of women said they don't feel prepared for menopause, even though they know it's coming. At a time when tech-savvy millennials are starting their menopausal journeys, some tech entrepreneurs are stepping up with potential solutions to long-standing health-care deficiencies.
Ikea will pay 6 million euros to East German prisoners forced to build their furniture in landmark move
Furniture giant Ikea has agreed to pay 6 million euros (US$6.5 million) towards a government fund compensating victims of forced labour under Germany's communist dictatorship, in a move campaigners hope will pressure other companies to follow.
Police arrest Netanyahu aide as opponents accuse him of leaking intelligence to thwart Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal
Israeli police have arrested a top aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over allegedly leaking classified information to foreign media.