Support the Kerin family at Wednesday candlelight vigil

By Cecilia Nasmith

Support for the Kerin family of Campbellcroft continues strong, not only with an RBC bank account set up to accept donations but also a Wednesday-night candlelight vigil in Port Hope's Memorial Park to grieve the loss of 12-year-old Cormac and to support the family as they help 10-year-old Shea fight for her life in Toronto at the Hospital for Sick Children.

The accident the brother and sister were involved in last week occurred as they were setting out for St. Anthony Elementary School. They were boarding their school bus, which was hit by an out-of-control driver.

Ben Mills, whose children attend the same school, invites everyone who would like to show their support to be at the vigil between 5 and 8 p.m.

“For me, it's about having an opportunity to show our support and grieve together as a town,” Mills said.

“When I heard this, I could not imagine the grief they are going through. Whatever we can do as a town to walk alongside them and support them, just for us to wrap our arms figuratively around this family, is so important at this time.”

Input from the town and the health unit has gone into the planning to make it as safe as possible during the COVID pandemic.

As you face the bandshell, Mills explained, enter from the right of the bandshell and proceed across the park to the table with the candles on it, then carry your light through the park in a socially distant procession – wearing masks, of course.

The RBC account is up to $50,000, Mills added, and donations in the form of e-transfers can be e-mailed to kerinfamily2020@hotmail.com.