Show of support for grieving family
PEOPLE LINE STREETS TO SUPPORT FAMILY OF 10-YEAR- OLD CHARLES MCINTYRE
As a Lethbridge family mourns the loss of their young son, hundreds of community members lined the streets of their westside neighbourhood on Saturday to show their support during this tragic time.
Ten-year-old Charles McIntyre was struck by a vehicle turning from a shopping centre along Whoop-Up Drive last Monday. He was in a crosswalk with his father and younger brother and suffered fatal injuries.
A public celebration of McIntyre’s life was held along the streets of Copperwood as families and neighbours joined together to show their support while the funeral procession made its way to a small family service.
“I wanted to come out and show support for Charles and his family during this tough time,” said Katie Venderberg. “Although I didn’t know the family personally and I don’t know exactly how they are feeling, I wanted to be able to show them that during this tough time that the community has their support with whatever they need.”
Within the week since the accident, the community has reached out through love and prayers, food, financial support and shared memories of the young boy who was taken too soon.
During Saturday’s show of support, people maintained social distance while sporting bright green colours, McIntyre’s favourite colour, and brought dozens of balloons to decorate the area for the boy who was known for being lovable, adventurous, silly and a pure joy.
“This is a difficult time for everybody, but I can’t imagine the emotions this family is feeling with the loss of their son,” said Carl Siler.
“I think this service is not only a sad thing for the family to have to do, but it is also a time for the community to show their support for them. With all of these families out here today, I hope the family knows that in this time of isolation, they aren’t alone and they do have neighbours and others who want to help them during their healing.”
Family of McIntyre say friends and teachers at Coalbanks Elementary school are heartbroken and reaching out with their thoughts, and many Lethbridge schools have lowered their flags to halfmast to pay respect to the young boy.
A direct savings account has been set up by McIntyre’s aunt, Kara Dyer, for anyone who is interested in providing monetary support for the family, and can be sent to dyerkaraj@gmail.com.
A public celebration of Charles McIntyre will be held once the restrictions surrounding the COVID19 pandemic are lifted. Lethbridge Police Service say they expect to have an update on the investigation of the collision this coming week.
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