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April 1st, 2024 marks one year since the passing of Karyn Avalon, reunited with the shores of her childhood in Victoria, BC.
Anyone who knew Karyn continues to be inspired by her depth, brilliance, beauty, and creative genius. In many ways, all the things that remind us of Karyn are all the most beautiful things in the world: butterflies, a pink sunset, cherry blossoms falling while a Shania song comes on, the perfect vintage tee, and the ocean. Karyn was a swimmer her whole life, just like her mother Teri, and nothing represents Karyn’s vast influence or her essence quite like the ocean.
In honour of Karyn’s lasting spirit and influence, her friends and family thought it would be fitting to dedicate a park bench to Karyn at one of her favourite spots by the ocean. This will give local loved ones, especially her family members Doug, Teri and Charles, a regular place to go, her long-distance community a physical place to visit, and any community passerby the chance to sit overlooking the waves and maybe soak up a little bit of Karyn’s magic. Maybe someone will remember the time she boldly instructed a younger student to get out of the water during their cold dip that year, so she could make it into the newspaper as the last student in the water the last year before she graduated. Or reflect on her poetic film Swimmers. Or dream of all the places she is likely visiting now around the world that touch the ocean.
We will try to install the bench near where her ashes were spread in Victoria at McNeil Bay - depending on the city's abilities.
- In Victoria, it costs $3500 + fees to dedicate and install a bench for 10 years.
If any additional funds are raised, we will put them towards a park bench in Toronto so her Toronto community can also have a place to sit and feel K.
Costs in Toronto are as follows:
- A newly installed bench with an engraved metal plaque (Fee: $2,530.00).
- An engraved metal plaque mounted to an existing bench (Fee: $1,753).
If you find yourself in a position to make an additional donation in Karyn’s name on this day please consider Princess Margaret Cancer Care Centre where Karyn received wonderful care and treatment. If any remaining funds do not equate to a second bench in Toronto, we will make a donation to Princess Margaret.
Photo by: Angelica Henderson
Organizer
