Barry Shantz-Kairos-- An Opportune Time for Action

On January 13, 2020, my brother, Barry Shantz, was shot and killed by the RCMP after a six-hour, six-minute standoff, while suffering from a mental health crisis.  His partner called for help, as she believed he may be suicidal.  A military style response was implemented including thirty armed officers, a helicopter, two snipers and a canine unit.  No mental health professionals were in attendance.  Lethal force, a last resort option, is a privilege granted by society for the protection of officers and the community.  It was never intended as a way to manage the mentally ill.  It is time for change—for mentally ill persons to be treated with compassion and respect in their time of desperation, rather than to be criminalized due to ignorance and fear.

I have created a series of grief quilts entitled Kairos--An Opportune Time for Action, depicting despair, loss and hope to hopefully cause people to pause and consider, continue the conversation and ideally contribute to change.  I have commenced a cross Canada tour of the quilts starting in Abbotsford, BC on May 1, 2021.  
 
I am looking for funding to cover the cost of shipping and travel expenses (when travelling with the quilts to speak as a lecturer to share our family's story).  I believe society at large will benefit from this exhibition, as it is a strong, visual display that will hopefully move us closer to change.

I am extremely grateful to those who choose to join me and support this undertaking.

Marilyn Farquhar