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The City of Calgary has cleared public memorials to 11-year-old Parker, the young boy found dead last month after disappearing from a care facility. <\/p>\n
That includes a spray-painted mural on the Deerfoot Trail and Memorial Drive overpass, as well as a makeshift memorial at Laycock Park in the city’s northeast, that included flowers and toys, and messages written on a pedestrian bridge.<\/p>\n
In a news release Wednesday, the city said those closest to Parker were given advance notice and did not object to the memorials’ removal. <\/p>\n
The city said where appropriate, some of those gathered items, like flowers and cards, may be offered to the family. <\/p>\n
On Tuesday, volunteers donated 300 stuffed animals collected at a vigil for Parker to the Calgary Food Bank. The toys will be given to families struggling to afford birthday celebrations for their children. <\/p>\n
“Nothing in this world could ever take away the sadness that I think so many parents feel on behalf of Parker’s family, but I think this is just such an incredible way to turn this into at least a small, tiny ray of sunshine over such a dark, sad moment in our city,” said Melissa From, the food bank’s CEO. <\/p>\n
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Volunteers donated 300 stuffed animals to the Calgary Food Bank Tuesday. Calgarians left the toys at a memorial for 11-year-old Parker, and Jennifer Ball, the mother of a non-verbal autistic child, organized the donation. (CBC)<\/p>\n
The city says it recognizes the desire among Calgarians to pay tribute to Parker, whose disappearance prompted a city-wide search and a swell of community support and grief. <\/p>\n
But the news release adds that items left outside will be exposed to weather and could deteriorate over time. The city also regularly removes graffiti under its bylaws. <\/p>\n
“While the methods used to honour Parker may vary, the compassion and care behind them are clear,” Doug Morgan, chief operating officer of city services said in a statement. <\/p>\n
“We will continue to approach this situation with respect for those grieving while applying our responsibilities fairly and consistently.”<\/p>\n
The city says temporary memorials can provide a key outlet for the community to grieve in the aftermath of a tragedy like this one. It encourages residents to explore the possibility of a permanent memorial to honour Parker. <\/p>\n
Anyone interested in creating such a permanent tribute can contact city administration for guidance.<\/p>\n