Edenvale survivors united
“We want to stand together and support each other to show that as a community, we can overcome anything,” said Sheryl.
The Edenvale Community Policing Forum (ECPF) hosted its first Survivors Walk for Life at Edenvale High School with the aim of bringing the community together.
The walk united residents who have survived traumatic experiences and illnesses on one field where they walked together in support of one another.
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The walk was held in during the 16 Days of Activism and allowed attendees to learn more about the ECPF and what they do in the community.
Sheryl Damerell, chairperson of ECPF, said the forum has a huge heart for the community and it knows there are people in the community who are hurting.
“We want to stand together and support each other to show that as a community, we can overcome anything,” said Damerell.
“Some people have overcome an illness or been a victim of crime, and they have survived it.”
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“Others have lost loved ones to crime and they walked in memory of them.”
Nadia Atkinson, executive member of ECPF and a survivor of a hijacking and house robbery, explained the symbolism of the walk.
She said the walk was scheduled to take place from sunset to sunrise, 6pm to 6am.
“The beginning to the end of the walk symbolised going into darkness at sunset and coming out of darkness at sunrise,” said Atkinson.
And true to this symbolism, when the sun set everyone was eagerly waiting at the starting line which began with lots of cheer and the cutting of a white ribbon.
The night was joyful with tents pitched for the event.
“The ECPF does not operate in isolation. We work with the patroller response groups, different security companies and community members,” said Damerell.
To show support, Mamba Security and Emer-G-Med were present and enthusiastic to participate in the walk.
“We hope it will grow each year and become a feature event for Edenvale,” Damerell said.
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