The months following her sister's passing haven't been easy but if she can help even just one person, her family's tragic loss won't be in vain.
Mandee Kulaway's sister was brutally murdered just outside of Yorkton last March and it's her hope her sister's memory will live on and her spirit will help create an awareness that violence is not acceptable and that some things need to change.
"It's about creating a light in the darkness," says Kulaway, who recently initiated the very first Tam & Sam Walk Against Violence in memory of her sister Tammy and dog Sam whose lives were both taken last spring.
"This was the first year and we had over 100 people turn out, it was fantastic," says Kulaway.
As a result of the walk, $700 was raised through a silver collection for Shelwin House, Yorkton's haven for abused women and children in need.
"It's about raising money and it's about raising awareness... Violence is happening everywhere, violence against women, violence against animals - my sister's puppy's life was also taken that day - there's violence against men and there's violence in general. It needs to stop."
Her sister's birthday falls on September 28 so it's Kulaway's plan to host the walk each fall, somewhere close to that day.
After she lost her sister she also started up a White Ribbon Campaign which involves the sale of white ribbon decals for vehicles. These are available for purchase and the idea has been catching on she says, adding there are now vehicles in Alberta and Manitoba sporting the decals. "It's nice to see because it's all about creating an awareness. It started out with just close friends and family and now it's branching out to people I don't even know..." she says.
"It's about creating a light in someone's darkness... murders shouldn't be happening in Yorkton and area and they have been happening... I never could have imagined this could happen. When the police called and said they were investigating a homicide, I just couldn't even think of what a homicide was. We don't hear it everyday, but it's happening."
She hopes by starting and growing her annual walk event, it will make people think as well as help out with important local causes. This year Shelwin House benefitted and next year she says another local effort will be helped.
Kulway also urges anyone struggling with a problem, or anyone who knows of someone with problems to reach out and ask for help.
"There are organizations out there, there are people out there to help.
"We had no warning with my sister. We had no clue. She was a kind hearted person who tried to help a friend."
People need to be able to recognize and acknowledge violence she says and prevent it from happening when and where possible.
"There are a lot of things that people think are acceptable that are not acceptable in healthy relationships." And that can mean both relationships and/or friendships she says.
"My sister touched a lot of lives... she just had something about her and if we can carry that on, let her spirit live and help others it would be so nice."
Kulaway says she is so grateful for the all of the support she and her family has received since her sister's passing. She hopes residents will continue to remember and plan for next fall's event. If you would like to learn more or get involved Kulaway can be contacted at: [email protected] or find her on Facebook.
