By meadowlakeNOW

Meadow Lake to host vigil in solidarity with Humboldt

Apr 8, 2018 | 4:55 PM

Residents in Meadow Lake will gather tonight to show their support for the community of Humboldt and those affected by the tragic bus collision involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team.

A candlelight vigil will be held at 7 p.m. at the local arena.

A total of 15 people were killed and 14 others injured on Friday, April 6 around 5 p.m. after a bus collided with a semi-trailer on Highway 35, approximately 30 kilometres north of Tisdale near the junction of Highway 335. The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team was on its way to a playoff game in Nipawin against the Hawks.

The news hit close to home for Meadow Lake Mayor Gary Vidal who used to coach hockey.

“A bunch of the kids on that bus were kids we played against two years ago,” said Vidal through tears. “Their parents are parents I worked with as far as organizing schedules and games. That bus was the bus we rode on. That bus driver was the same bus driver for a number of our trips…so it’s been a little personal over the last 48 hours.”

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Vidal said he reached out to Humboldt Mayor Rob Muench following the accident.

“I felt compelled to send him a note last night letting him know we’re out there supporting him to do what we can,” Vidal said. “It could be anybody’s community, anybody’s kids. When I organized bus trips, those were my kids on that bus – not just my one kid…but all 20 of them. It’s a tough journey for a lot of people. Everybody’s got a connection.”

The candlelight vigil at the Meadow Lake Arena will coincide with the one occurring in Humboldt.

Local resident, Joanne Epe-Dishko initiated the vigil planning through social media. She said candles bearing the Humboldt Bronco’s logo will be handed out to those in attendance.

“Just being consumed by all the posts…and wanting to do something more,” she said. “You just want to show unity in this time. We just want to show Humboldt and [the families] that we all stand with you… we grieve with you.”

A vigil is also planned at the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation Arena at 6:45 p.m. tonight.

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @ReporterKath