NEWS
Victims of Homicide Memorial Sculpture
24 years ago, Joyce and Noel Farion lost their son, Scott to murder.
Homicides were rare back then, but Joyce had a dream of starting a support group for the families who had lost a loved one. In June 1995, the Victims of Homicide Support Society was founded. This was just eight months after my son, Tim, was murdered, and six years after Martin Hattersley lost his beloved daughter, Catherine Greeve.
Today, we have a membership of almost ninety people who find comfort and understanding with those of us travelling the journey following the murders of our loved ones.
Our meetings are a safe place where we talk about very sad, frustrating and difficult things.
A memorial sculpture became a dream for us. It was then that Homicide Detective Duane Hunter referred us to an amazing artist named Paul Toal. When we first met with Paul, he showed us the design he had in mind and we knew we had found the perfect artist.
Next we met with Counsellor Tony Caterina and his son Rocco. They liked the concept and the design. They suggested Borden Park, which Tony called the Park of the Arts.
We met several times with the people from the city looking to find the perfect home for our sculpture. This spot was waiting for us, with the circle of trees around it.
We have many people to thank for getting us here today: the Caterina’s, the City of Edmonton for installing the bench, the very special family for the donation of the sculpture, and Associated Engineering for the engineering, two members of the VOH, Rowan Greeve and Kelly Rolston who prepared the site and poured the Foundation.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are honored that the Edmonton Arts Counsel and the Community are sharing their beautiful park with us.
To Paul Toal – Thank you for this beautiful piece of art and for helping us to fulfill the dream. Thank you for capturing the pain and hurt of a loss to homicide in such a beautiful and hopeful way.
Jane Orydzuk
PODCAST
Every once and while we hear a really good podcast. Below is a link to a really good one hosted by Sarah Swain. Episode 065 features our own group member Brenda. It is sensitive, well done and hopeful. If you are suffering with grief and struggling with the insanity following homicide you’ll want to listen.
Missing Cara
We invite you to explore the website honoring Kara - the daughter of one of our group members. The story of her daughter’s life is a gift to readers in hopes that others can pay it forward. Cara is remembered, not because of her achievements, but because of the extraordinary challenges she faced.
The VOH in action
CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL SERVICE
In early December we gathered at Strathearn United Church to honour our loved ones and light up the tree in their honour.
VOH Annual BBQ
Our annual BBQ was a great success. Thank you to everyone who attended it. We're already looking forward to next year!
National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims
September 26, 2018 marked the annual National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, giving us all the opportunity to remember those lost to homicide and honour their memories. This day of remembrance serves to focus on the impact of murder on families and communities and the support for survivors. At our September 2019 VOH meeting, we released balloons in honour of this day and all of our loved ones, sharing our memories with the sky.
