Walk in memory of Holly.
Karyn Klaire Koski and Margie Kuzenvic, who had known Holly Jones since she was an infant, took part in last year's Butterfly Walk in the little girl's memory. The 2011 walk takes place on May 12.
File photo/LISA RAINFORD
The Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club will host its annual Butterfly Walk in memory of Holly Jones, Thursday evening, May 12 on the eighth anniversary of the little girl's death.
There will be no fanfare, no speeches. This event is simply an opportunity for individuals to bring their well-wishes to Perth Avenue Parkette to commemorate the Sterling Road resident, whose life was tragically cut short.
Ten-year-old Holly was abducted after walking a friend home in the Perth Avenue and Bloor Street West area in May of 2003. A month later, a 35-year-old software developer, who lived in the neighbourhood, was arrested and charged with first degree murder. Pleading guilty, Holly's killer received an automatic life sentence without a chance of parole for 25 years.
Just like in past years, community members are invited to write their thoughts for Holly on paper butterflies, created by the kids from the boys and girls club, and then are invited to take that same walk that Holly would have taken from her friend's house to her Sterling Avenue home.
The walk has been done by hundreds of community members, friends, family and even strangers over the years, who have been moved by Holly's story.
Holly's legacy to all children is Holly's Law Canada, launched by the Protect-Kids Advocacy and motioned as a private member's bill by Parkdale-High Park MPP Cheri DiNovo. Holly's Law regulates government provisions of age appropriate resources to be made available to all schools in Ontario, to help kids identify and cope with childhood sexual abuse.
The Butterfly Walk takes place Thursday, May 12 between 6 and 8 p.m. starting at Perth Avenue Parkette.
- Lisa Rainford