ANN ELMORE TRANSITION HOUSE

CAMPBELL RIVER & NORTH ISLAND TRANSITION SOCIETY British Columbia, Canada

Special Events

"Vigil on the Big Rock"

by Valery Puetz, Coordinator, C.R.N.I.T.S.

On October 9 & 10^th Lawrence Brenn spent 25 hours sitting on the Big Rock. His reason for doing this was to raise awareness of the continuing violence against women in our community and to raise money for our transition house.

Lawrence, the founding member of North Island Men For Equality Now, went up the rock at noon on Saturday, October 9^th. Board members and volunteers tended an information table and collected pledges until dark and then a few sat around a bonfire with Lawrence’s partner, Ceridwen (who stayed nearby throughout the whole vigil) until midnight. Meanwhile Lawrence sat alone in the cold on the Rock. Sunday morning volunteers again tended the information table until Lawrence’s vigil ended at 1pm.

The response of the public was exceptional. Many people driving by honked and waved in support, throughout the day and into the night (hopefully the neighbours have forgiven us). Many also stopped to pledge financial support. A total of $873 was raised.

Neighbours from across the road brought a Thanksgiving turkey dinner to Lawrence and Louise Mailloux brought a beautiful and delicious cake and cookies.

Helium balloons and goodies were given to those who stopped by and the festive atmosphere was boosted every hour as Lawrence released one of his 25 balloons.

This is the 1^st Annual "Vigil on the Big Rock", so look for it next August (October is a little too cold).

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