TORONTO -- An organizer of a virtual vigil for victims of the mass killing in Nova Scotia said shock still pervades the communities where 22 people lost their lives.
But the virtual vigil, called 鈥淣ova Scotia Remembers,鈥� is a time for both Nova Scotians and Canadians to come together in support and love, said Tory Phinney.
鈥淭he feeling of shock is still very much the feeling in the community,鈥� Phinney told CTV鈥檚 Your Morning on Friday from Bass River, a short drive from the Portapique area where the violence began.
鈥淭his (vigil) is really about support, love, and also an opportunity to provide some support directly to families.鈥�
The 麻豆传媒 special, which will include musical performances and messages from dignitaries, will be offered live on CTV Atlantic, CTV2 Atlantic, CTVNews.ca and 麻豆传媒 Channel on Friday, April 24, starting at 6 p.m. EDT/7 p.m. ADT. CTV Atlantic鈥檚 Steve Murphy will host the 麻豆传媒 Special.
While the province and much of Canada remains isolated in homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, the vigil will offer an outlet for all to grieve as one.
鈥淧eople still need to come together and this is a great way to do it,鈥� said Phinney.
The Municipality of Colchester started a web page called 鈥溾�� that shares more than a dozen links to GoFundMe pages for victims鈥� families and provides more information about the vigil and where to watch. 鈥淚n this time of unspeakable tragedy, our strength comes from our community,鈥� the page says. 鈥淐olchester County is small 鈥� we all know the victims and their families. They are our neighbours, co-workers, loved ones and our friends. To see this happen has left a lasting impact that we are trying to soften for all those affected.鈥�
A list of performers and speakers for the vigil has not been officially released. Phinney, who said the event has grown into something much bigger than its origins as a community-based event, used the word 鈥渃elebrity鈥� to describe some of the guests.
鈥淚t鈥檚 just something we鈥檙e really proud of,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e just felt like we had to do it. We really hope that it gives people an opportunity to join together.鈥�
