London Lightning brings awareness to violence against women
London Lightning players looked a little different at their game Sunday, turning in their yellow jerseys for purple ones to bring awareness to the issue of male violence against women.
During the pregame ceremony, athletes stood arm in arm while wearing purple t-shirts that are part of the London Abused Women’s Centre (LAWC) Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign.
"This is a partnership that we have had with the London Lightning since the inception of the team in 2011," said Fabienne Haller, the campaign coordinator.
In their game against the Sudbury Five, the team wore purple jerseys in support of ending violence against women.
“They are custom made and they will sign the jerseys and you can bid on them during the game online,” Haller said.
Proceeds from the jerseys sold will go to front-line services for abused women and girls in the community, according to Haller.
Before the game began a video played, showing this year’s honourees of the campaign, including Keira Kagan a four-year-old girl who was found dead alongside her father in 2020. As a survivor, Dr. Jennifer Kagan, Keira’s mother was also shown as an honouree.
Kagan has stated publicly that she believes her daughter was the victim of a murder-suicide.
Kagan is now processing her grief and trying to advocate for more protection for children suffering from domestic violence through a blog called #ForLittleKeira.
"The campaign acts as a beacon of hope while reminding us there is still much work to be done. There is an opportunity for everyone to reflect, learn, listen, and have open conversations,"
In addition to the ceremony, there was a halftime performance by Belle Pointe Dance Company, a 50/50 draw, and postgame autographs, in support of the LAWC.
The London Lightning won with a final score of 104-102.
With files from CTV’s Sean Davidson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.