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Dandelion Society leads midnight candlelight vigil for the homeless

13 minutes of silence will be held ahead of midnight at the B.C. Legislature
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A man sleeps at vacant commercial property in downtown Victoria. (Tom Fletcher/Black Press)

Each Christmas Eve, Reverend Al Tysick and the Dandelion Society holds a candlelight vigil on the steps of the legislature building in Victoria to honour the dozens of Canadians who died while living on the street.

Tysick encourages citizens to join him for the vigil that begins at 11:45 p.m. tonight

READ ALSO: Lack of shelter puts homeless at risk

“It’s easy to lose sight of what matters at this time of year. That’s why it’s important to come together and remember those in our city and nation who have died because of homelessness, or who are still suffering in poverty,” Tysick says.

“No one coming to a vigil like this goes home unchanged. When you really stop and remember the suffering of others with an open heart, something happens. You recognize what’s wrong with this world, grow in compassion, and develop a desire to help others.”

Tysick asks people to bring their own candles.

READ ALSO: B.C.’s homeless, vulnerable only receive adequate care when nearing death: study

This year, the vigil features 13 minutes of silence to remember the poor in each of Canada’s provinces and territories.

“It doesn’t have to be like this,” he says. “By coming together to remember, we commit to a brighter future.”



c.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca

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