What: Annual Kamloops Shoe Memorial and Red Dress Memorial
Where: Moccasin Square Gardens, Kamloops BC
When: December 7, 2019 at 11 am to 2 pm
Who: Sponsored by KDLC and the Kamloops Indian Band

This year the National Day of Remembrance and Action against Violence, marks the 30th anniversary of the December 6, 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, where 14 women were singled out and murdered because of their gender. Local Kamloops woman, Lynn Chassé and her family started the Annual Kamloops Shoe Memorial in memory of their Mother, Dorothee McLaughlin, who was murdered by her boyfriend in May 13, 2000. The memorial coincides with the day of Remembrance. Murdered women and girls are remembered by adding their names to the shoes displayed and new names continue to be added to the shoe display every year. In the first six months of 2018, at least 78 women alone, and likely more, have been killed in acts of violence. The majority of these murders were as a result of acts of domestic violence by partners and spouses.

At this year’s December 7th event, the organizers will also be including the Red Dress Memorial to remember and recognize murdered and missing indigenous women. Across Canada the homicide rate for Indigenous females has been nearly six times higher than that for non-Indigenous females, according to a study by Statistics Canada.

“It is important that we continue to be vigilant and support our sisters, friends and family, educate our community and take action to stop this violence”, says Lois Rugg, KDLC President. “This event reminds us that we all have a role to play in making our communities safe for women, girls and non-binary gender identified persons. We need to take action in our communities by supporting initiatives to end violence against women and girls and be active to make our workplaces, homes, and streets safe for everyone.”

Donations of new or gently used shoes for the display can be dropped off at the following businesses:

Runners Sole – #74 1395 Hillside Dr
Lo-Boy Market – 459 Tranquille Rd
Classic FX – 556 Tranquille Rd
YM-YWCA – 400 Battle Street (downtown location)
Son Mai Spa – 459 Lansdowne St

Following the event shoes will be donated to local charities with clients in need. For more information please visit us on Facebook at Kamloops Annual Shoe Memorial.

If you have a place to display a poster, please download our Shoe Memorial 2019 Poster

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