In Lethbridge, Alberta, a vibrant display of colors was painted on crosswalks in celebration of the city’s Pride parade, only to face multiple acts of vandalism. In light of these unfortunate events, a group of dedicated community members decided to take a stand.
Following incidents on June 13 and June 15, where the city’s Transgender and Rainbow flag crosswalks were marred—first with tire skid marks, then with paint and even manure—local citizens rallied together to ensure the symbols of Pride would remain untainted ahead of the weekend parade. The city had already invested $1,000 to sandblast and repaint the crosswalks, but the threat of further defacement loomed.
This past Friday night, a mix of local residents and University of Lethbridge athletes banded together to act as guardians of the crosswalks. “We’ve had anywhere from six to fifteen people here throughout the night,” said Alex Thompson, one of the volunteers. “Folks have been dropping by, even those finishing work at 3 a.m., joining in to show their support.”
Calgary blogger Jamie Sinclair stumbled upon the group and initially questioned their purpose. “I thought, either they’re here for a really good reason or something bad is about to happen,” Sinclair recounted. Upon discovering their mission, the emotional weight of their dedication struck deeply, leading Sinclair to tears.
Fortunately, the crosswalks remained intact throughout the night. Volunteers were even treated with coffee from appreciative community members who stopped by, making the long vigil a little easier. “I’m so grateful I witnessed this,” Sinclair remarked, reflecting the sentiments of many who were moved by the group’s efforts.
Despite the troubling events of 2017, stories like this shine a light of hope and resilience. The community’s commitment to preserving these symbols of love and acceptance serves as a reminder that there is always a silver lining, or in this case, a radiant rainbow.
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In summary, when faced with adversity, it’s heartening to see communities come together to protect what they value most. The unwavering spirit of these heroes in Lethbridge exemplifies the power of unity and love.