Peaceful Protest Planned For Today
By John Swartz
An event called Orillia in Solidarity is happening Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. at the OPP General Headquarters on Memorial Avenue.
Organized by Alexandria Shennett and Tara Langille, Langille told SUNonline/Orillia it is meant to be peaceful showing of support for those currently protesting in the United States.
She said the idea grew out of a conversation she had with Shennett about not knowing what to do about sharing their empathy publicly. Shennett had made some signs and offered one to Langille and she said things quickly over the last 24 hours.
A Facebook page has been created, and information says, “Come and kneel with us over your lunch break, in solidarity with our black brothers and sisters.”
“We’ve got flowers to use as 6’ markers to promote social distancing. We’ve got snacks, we’ve got drinks, we’ve got hand sanitizer, we’ve got garbage and recycling bags, and we’ve got extra signs as well. We’ve got everything we need except you.”
Langille said while they did not contact the OPP beforehand, or ask permission, she is hopeful members of the OPP and staff will join them. It starts at 11 a.m. and concludes at 2p.m.
(Photos Supplied)