Community rallies for teen’s family

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jane finch
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Unifor Local 112 hosted a community barbeque and fundraiser recently to raise money  to help end youth violence, in memory of slain teen Tahj Loor-Walters, the grandson of one of the local’s members.

The Sept. 28 event was organized by  the extended family of Loor-Walters, church officials, community organizations, teachers, municipal officials and the local.

The barbeque, held at the offices of Local 112, commemorated the life of Loor-Walters, the 15-year-old grandson of Unifor member Victor Loor, and raised money to support initiatives to end gun violence, improve education, services and support networks for teens and families in the area.

Loor-Walters' mother Symone Walters said that she will not stand for being pushed out of the neighbourhood by violence and fear.

"This is my home and I don't want to be made to leave," said Walters. "Why must we leave our neighbourhood where we grew up just so we can be safe and our children free from harm? We have to make changes here - so that families and children have access to opportunities and don't live in fear."

There were several speakers at the events, including family members, local politicians, youth workers and Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

Loor-Walters, a student at Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School,was shot on July 28 and died in hospital August 13. He was the second of four teens to be gunned down in the neighbourhood in less than six months.