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In the heart of Kelowna, B.C., a community is coming together to honor the memory of five lives lost in a devastating crane accident that occurred on July 12, 2021. Among the victims was Brad Zawislak, a beloved father and husband, whose untimely death left a profound impact on his family and friends.
Helen Furuya, Zawislak’s widow, expressed her grief, stating, “Not a day goes by that we don’t think about him.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the community as they push for the establishment of The RISE Memorial, a park dedicated to the victims.
Funding challenges for The RISE Memorial
Despite the community’s eagerness to see the memorial come to fruition, the project has encountered significant obstacles. Recently, the provincial government denied a crucial application for a $150,000 grant needed to kickstart the construction.
Furuya lamented, “It feels like perhaps it was glazed over,” highlighting the frustration felt by many residents. However, hope remains as Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert has expressed willingness to meet with project organizers to discuss potential support.
Community support and fundraising efforts
The Kelowna community has shown remarkable resilience and solidarity in the face of tragedy. To date, over $160,000 has been raised through local fundraising efforts, with businesses stepping up to contribute their services at minimal costs. Brent Tremblay, general manager of Mountain Home Services, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We came in pretty much at break even for our company just to really reduce costs.” This collective effort underscores the community’s commitment to honoring the victims and ensuring that their memories are preserved.
The urgency of timely action
As the anniversary of the tragedy approaches, there is a palpable sense of urgency to commence construction on the memorial. Tremblay noted, “We’ve all carved out time to try and make sure this project happens on schedule for that important day.” Delays could push the project back by up to a year, adding to the community’s frustration as they await the findings of the ongoing criminal investigation into the crane collapse.
Furuya voiced the need for transparency, stating, “I deserve to know the facts and so does the community.” The completion of this memorial is not just about honoring the past; it represents a collective healing process for a community still grappling with loss.
