Impaired Driving Victims and Survivors Find Support, Comfort at MADD Canada National Conference

OAKVILLE, Ontario, April 26, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- No one ever thinks they will be impacted by an impaired driving crash. But, as the victims and survivors of impaired driving can attest, it happens to people every day and its effects are devastating.

This weekend, more than 200 people who have lost loved ones or suffered injuries through impaired driving crashes will come together to gain support, share experiences and honour loved ones at the MADD Canada National Conference for Victims of Impaired Driving.

Held from April 27 – 29, the conference offers keynote and workshop sessions to help victims and survivors cope with their losses and injuries. Sessions include: Surviving Adversity and Loss; Living with Injuries; Understanding the Criminal Justice System; Victims’ Rights; Coping with Anger; and Updates on Provincial and Federal Legislation Aimed at Preventing Impaired Driving.

“Our conference offers victims and survivors a safe, welcoming place where there is no judgement and no one telling them how they should be dealing with their grief,” said MADD Canada National President Patricia Hynes-Coates. “There is just a deep empathy for all they have lost, understanding of the challenges they face, and support to help them cope and begin to move forward with their new reality. For so many victims and survivors – myself included – this conference has been a lifeline.”

The emotional cornerstone of the weekend is the powerful Candlelight Vigil of Hope and Remembrance, held on Saturday evening. Delegates will gather for a moving ceremony to remember loved ones who have been killed and acknowledge injuries sustained in impaired driving crashes. Photos of victims and survivors are shown, a tribute is read and a candle is lit for each victim and survivor.

MADD Canada thanks Impact Auto Auctions, Henderson Structured Settlements, PIA Law, Department of Justice Canada and Manitoba Justice for their support of the conference.

With hundreds of Canadians killed and tens of thousands injured in impaired driving crashes every year, the need to offer support and services to victims and survivors is crucial. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across the country, MADD Canada offers: grief and bereavement support; support through the criminal justice system; assistance with victim impact statements; help with understanding victims’ rights; a lending library; brochures; community referrals; and trained victim service volunteers.

To learn more about the conference, visit:  
http://madd.ca/pages/programs/victimsurvivor-services/national-conference-for-victims-of-impaired-driving/

Media in the Toronto area are welcome to attend the Candelight Vigil of Hope and Remembrance (please RSVP).