A tragic story turned into a powerful message of awareness and hope as approximately 200 people gathered last Saturday at the Harrow Soccer Complex.
They participated in the Stannard-Walsh walkathon, honoring Carly Stannard-Walsh, 41, and her two children, Madison, 13, and Hunter, 8, who were killed in their home last June in a case of intimate partner violence.
The 3.5-kilometre walk was organized as part of Women Abuse Prevention Month, encouraging participants to wear purple—a color symbolizing the fight against domestic violence.
Many wore shirts emblazoned with the phrase “Love Shouldn’t Hurt,” alongside images of Carly and her children.
Mary Stannard, Carly’s mother, emphasized the importance of recognizing the dangers of abusive relationships.
“It is vital that women in abusive relationships realize how unsafe and even dangerous it is to stay in that kind of relationship,” she said. “Hopefully, Carly, Madi, and Hunter’s story will help that realization.”
Hiatus House executive director Sylvie Guenther highlighted the significance of fundraising.
“The transitional housing will offer an apartment for women for about 18 to 24 months after they’ve left a violent relationship,” Guenther said.
The initial goal was to reach $10,000, but shortly after noon the walkathon had raised over $17,000, with organizers optimistic that final donations would surpass $20,000.
“This event was created between Hiatus House and (Essex) Mayor (Sherry) Bondy, first to show support for the Stannard-Walsh family, and to create support for our transitional housing project,” Maggie Durocher, fundraising & development coordinator for Hiatus House, explained.
One apartment unit will be dedicated in memory of Carly and her children.
“It’s empowering and it brings hope to see people come together like this,” Guenther added, urging ongoing conversations about domestic violence to encourage those in similar situations to seek help.
Bondy reflected on the tie the Stannard-Walsh family had to the soccer field.
“Carly and her children spent a lot of time in this soccer field, so it’s only fitting that we come back here. Hopefully, we can prevent anything like this from ever happening again,” she said.
The walkathon is just one of the many initiatives Hiatus House plans to implement during Women Abuse Prevention Month. A flag-raising ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 25 at Windsor City Hall to advocate for awareness and support in the fight against domestic violence.
Community honours family at walkathon
By Donna Tuckwell
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