#TORONTOSTRONG
I was at work in the middle of a lunch event that I had organized when I got a text to see if I heard what happened at Yonge and Finch. I had no idea but could hardly believe it when I got back to my desk and looked up what had happened. My friend posted in shock at her experience of being there. It could have been her that could have lost her life and if it had happened on the Saturday before when I was in the area grocery shopping it could have been me too. This is a different kind of #METOO, one that no one wants to be a part of.
I can't say I was totally surprised that this happened as I have been feeling like it would be only a matter of time before our city would be touched with a large tragic event as the World has been experiencing random acts of violence spreading anywhere and everywhere.
I had the same feeling hearing about this event as I did when 9/11 happened. The World has changed and there is no such thing as being somewhere safe.
I have been sad and angry all week because there seems to be increased levels of these types of attacks all over the world and this attack in particular hit a very diverse community so it wasn't race based, political, gender based or for any specific reason other than the fact that the person who did this was an angry and frustrated young man who lashed out on innocent people.
What makes me angry is that people like this person can rent a van and ruin so many lives and then have no regret for his actions while people in the aftermath live in fear and in grief, sadness and anger.
I haven't gone to Olive Square but I thought it was important to stand with my neighbours and friend to show respect to the people affected and show gratitude to the Police services and first responders who have been examples to the world on how we handle tragic events in our city.
I live i one of the most diverse and dense places in Toronto and everyday I see the face of the neighbourhood changing. I have lived in this area for about 7 years and it has grown larger since I got here.
At the Vigil people from the neighbourhood and others and many faith leaders, politicians from all levels of government and local community groups were all present to come together to show how we are #TorontoStrong and to begin to heal and move on and live our lives with hope. I was happy to hear TC3 the young group who I met years ago while I did a promotional video for them.
It was great to see all religions come together for one purpose and bring people together and not divided because of religion.
The Politicians were present but did not speak as to make it a community healing event and not a political one.
I have a friend who was on the same bridge in London, England just hours before a similar Van attack and you fear that you have to make choices or you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I think the answer is to be more aware of people in our communities and get people help before they turn to violence against others. We do not want to live in a city where it becomes a police state with walls and we lose our freedom to walk the streets without fear and to go about our daily business without having to wonder if something will happen.
Canada is a country of diversity and freedom and we don't want to lose this way of life.
Stay Strong Toronto.
