Under sunny skies on one of the hottest days of the year, children lined up Saturday for a chance to take a slow ride down MR80 in Hanmer.
The second annual Impact 6/21 Soapbox Derby proved popular, with dozens taking part in the light-hearted event on what is an otherwise sombre weekend.
Organizers thanked the many volunteers who made the event possible, taking time to remind everyone why the derby was taking place.
On Father’s Day, June 21, 2009, three teens were killed by an drunk driver while they were walking while alongside Regional Road 80 in Hanmer.
Since that day, the families of Caitlin Jelley, Jazmine Houle and Steven Philippe have been working to fight drunk driving and to raise awareness about the crime.
Mayor Brian Bigger has already declared June as Impact 6/21 Memorial Month. But this weekend, upon which the anniversary of the tragedy falls, is particularly meaningful.
“To the IMPACT 6/21 organization, volunteers and parents of Steve, Cait and Jaz, you are the reason for today,” organizers wrote on Facebook after the event. “Your kids became our kids when they were taken from us, and as we continue to mourn their loss, we also find reasons together to celebrate their lives.
“Today was one of those reasons. Lisa Jelley, Corrie Lamoureux and Jocelyne, we are honoured to support the foundation, AND you, in all of this ... For the members of the Greater Sudbury Police Service, thank you for keeping the roads safe will our kids had so much fun.”
The weekend wraps up this evening with the fifth annual memorial walk, starting at 8 p.m. at the Lion’s Den Ballpark in Hanmer.
Guest speakers will bring inspirational messages to begin the evening, followed by a procession to the memorial site, escorted by Greater Sudbury Police.
