Keith Cyr had an interest in photography, but he didn’t realize his images would soon create something much larger than photographs.
When looking for subject matter, Cyr noticed many of the scenes he was going to photograph were near roadside memorials. He realized the memorials were personal and of sensitive subject matter and consulted some people connected to them with an idea. With nothing but support, Cyr set out to put together a book filled with the memorials, which was published in 2010 In Memory Of…A Book to Remember, which also includes road fatality statistics.
Last year Cyr held a Road Trauma Awareness Fundraiser at the Rocking Horse Pub in order to give copies of the book to some of the people connected to the memorials.
The event raised $2,500 and helped get the ball rolling to form a non-profit organization aiming to prevent vehicle-inflicted road trauma. Cyr said many people have come forward in support of the book and the non-profit society.
“I could have never imaged it,” he said. “It has reached a very personal and unique success, you can’t convey it in words.”
The society is hoping to distribute the book in schools and other establishments where it may prevent the horrific road accidents.
This Saturday, Aug. 25, the second annual Road Trauma Awareness Fundraiser will take place at the Rocking Horse Pub in Nanoose Bay.
A silent auction includes many items both big and small from over 30 businesses as well as handmade items like a one-of-a-kind quilt made by the mother of one of the road crash victims.
Cyr said she is very excited to be able to contribute the quilt and pillows in her daughter’s honour, which reflects a scene of horses. Cyr said the workmanship is amazing and the set looks incredible.
“This is all in honor of her daughter so to have that there and be able to give the community a chance to say ‘we do care, we are concerned, I’ll bid on this’ … words can’t convey.”
The silent auction runs from noon to 8 p.m. when entertainment kicks off with singer/songwriter Andrea Smith, who took home Female Songwriter of the Year at the Island Music Awards in 2007, and has opened for big names like Trooper, Blue Rodeo and Shari Ulrich.
Tickets are $15 from the Rocking Horse Pub, Cranky Dog Music in Parksville or at the door. There will also be a free shuttle service for people to get home.
To reserve a shuttle and get more information call 250-248-1238.
