Young boy from Toronto tragically lost to a random gunshot, characterized as 'an exceptionally kind-hearted spirit' by his mother.
Vigil Held in Toronto for Eight-Year-Old Anti-Bullying Advocate JahVai Roy
Toronto, Canada - A heart-wrenching vigil was held on Thursday evening to honour eight-year-old JahVai Roy, who was tragically struck and killed by a stray bullet in his North York apartment over the weekend. The vigil took place just steps away from JahVai's apartment building, with more than 100 people in attendance, including family, friends, community members, and local leaders.
JahVai was described by loved ones as a good and compassionate boy. He was a fearless anti-bullying advocate, and his memory was honoured with a T-shirt worn by his mother, Holly Roy, during the vigil, which bore his name and photographs. Many people at the vigil wore blue, which was JahVai's favourite colour.
The vigil included chants such as "Justice for JahVai" and "Enough is enough." Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow was also in attendance and gave a speech, urging Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw to work directly with community members to address gun violence. Delroy Sherman, a community pastor, also attended the vigil for JahVai Roy.
Several community organizations and advocacy groups, including local anti-violence coalitions and youth support groups, gathered at Toronto City Hall on Friday between 10 AM and 12 PM to support the case of JahVai Roy against gun violence. A rally against gun violence is set to take place outside Toronto City Hall on Friday.
Chow called for a crackdown on illegal guns originating from the United States. No information was provided about the source of the gun in JahVai Roy's case. No further details were provided about the suspects police are still looking for in the case.
The vigil for JahVai Roy was not the only recent event in Toronto focused on addressing gun violence. On Friday, community organizations and advocacy groups gathered at Toronto City Hall to discuss the issue and press for action.
The vigil for JahVai Roy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on innocent lives. It is hoped that the outpouring of support and the calls for action from community leaders will lead to real change and an end to gun violence in Toronto.
