The one-year anniversary of the Nanaimo’s Western Forest Products mill shooting is Thursday (April 30) and one victim’s family continues its push to raise awareness about workplace violence.
The Red Shirt Foundation, formed by family and friends of Michael Lunn and named after his love of red T-shirts, is holding a fundraising walk at Swy-a-lana Lagoon on the anniversary. Marlene Lunn, Michael’s widow, said people can show up any time between 5:30-8:30 p.m.
“Basically what we’d like to see is you wearing a red T-shirt and we’ll be selling them for a donation of $15,” she said.
According to Lynn Jacques, chairwoman, the foundation has achieved status as a non-profit organization and is working on charitable status recognition, which she said takes longer, as it is through the federal government.
As for the family members, they have been coming to terms with the loss.
“We have our good days and our bad days, we have our showers and tsunamis, but we’re a pretty strong family and [daughter and fellow foundation director] Marcy and I are pretty strong together and we’re moving forward, just doing something positive. It certainly helps us to deal with our grief,” said Marlene.
She said the family of Fred McEachern, who also lost his life, will be hosting a golf tournament that day as well.
For more information, please visit www.redshirtfoundation.com or e-mail info@redshirtfoundation.com.