White Ribbon March in Canterbury Attracts Over 1,500 People

Today over 1,500 people assembled at the Central Christchurch Police Station to celebrate White Ribbon Day with a community march to Hagley Park.

Along the way hundreds of balloons were tied to the park railings to commemorate the many victims of family violence in our country.

The march was led by the White Ribbon Riders as well as students from St Thomas’ High School and Villa Maria College.

“It is clear that community support is growing for this event by the huge numbers seen today” said White Ribbon Rider Chuck Napier.

Another White Rider Donald Napier commented “This day is important because it is a bit like ANZAC Day; it gives people time to reflect, talk and be open about the violence.”

Moving speeches about the importance of eliminating violence were heard from Doug Blakie father of recently killed Lisa Blakie; Reverend and Family Violence Champion Mike Coleman;

and Stopping Violence Services Clinician and White Ribbon Ambassador Andy Moscrop-Giblin.

Mayor of Christchurch Leanne Dalziel came along to support the event as did family violence advocate Lesley Elliot. The march also received enormous support from local Government Services, NGOs, Schools and community groups.

Thank you to everybody who attended and demonstrated their commitment to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence.

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