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
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.