GRAND FALLS WINDSOR, Newfoundland and Labrador, Oct. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Families and community members will gather today for MADD Canada's annual Candlelight Service and Memorial Ceremony to remember those killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes. cannabis and/or other drugs. The monument, located at Central Funeral Home in Grand Falls-Windsor, is engraved with the names of 78 victims who were killed or injured in alcohol- or drug-related accidents. Although no new names are being added this year, the ceremony is an important place for remembrance, reflection and support.
“Despite ongoing awareness campaigns, every year hundreds of Canadians are killed and thousands are injured in accidents involving alcohol, marijuana and/or other drugs,” said MADD Canada National President Tanya Hansen Pratt. “Behind every name on this monument is a grieving family who will bear the burden of a completely preventable tragedy. Today, we honor these victims and survivors and renew our commitment to ending drunk driving.”
During the ceremony, the names of victims and survivors will be read, candles will be lit in their honor, and participants will have the opportunity to visit the Monument to lay flowers in a quiet moment of remembrance.
Since 2009, MADD Canada has erected memorials to victims of drunk driving in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Quebec and Ontario. Every year, ceremonies are held to unveil new names added to the monuments and pay tribute to all victims. The Prince Edward Island monument will open in 2026, and we are working to create a similar monument in British Columbia.
To prevent death and injury, we can ensure everyone can always return home safely:
- Never operate a car, boat, ATV or any other vehicle while intoxicated;
- Never get into a vehicle driven by a person with a disability;
- Always plan ahead;
- Call 911 if you see a driver you suspect is intoxicated.
Those looking for a sober and reliable ride home at the touch of a button can use Uber, MADD Canada's official ride-sharing app. Visit https://www.uber.com/ca/en/ for more information.
For more information contact:
Megan Wetmore, Victim Services Manager, MADD Canada – Atlantic Region, 506-262-8933, or [email protected]
Arielle Nkongmenek, Communications Manager, MADD Canada, 1-800-665-6233 ext. 240 or [email protected]
About MADD Canada
MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national charity that strives to stop drunk driving and provide support to victims of this violent crime. With volunteer teams in nearly 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada is committed to offering support services to victims, raising awareness of the dangers of impaired driving, saving lives and preventing injuries on our roads. To find out more, visit www.madd.ca.
