Today, Ashley's friends and family joined together to wish her well on her next adventure. I like to think that Ashley is not gone as long as people remember her spirit, her smile, and her love of the big adventure.
Over the 32 years she spent on this planet, Ashley touched the hearts of everyone who met her. She challenged her cousins, friends, nieces and nephews to always to push the envelope, to do better, to be better. As her Aunt Patty said today at the service, Ashley was always there for people whether she was driving them home after a party, or helping to organize one. She was a bright and shining light in the world, and she is now taking her act on the road.
Even on her worst day, Ashley brought out the best in people. People started fundraisers and search parties, they flew drones over the treacherous landscape. She reminded everyone that in this life we all need to do our part. And she continues to make her mark. In her name, people are calling for our society to do better in protecting the women and girls who are most vulnerable, to teach them at an early age to value their own self worth, and steer clear of the men who try to harm them.
Because of Ashley, there is now an organization called Wings of Mercy that now boasts more than 1,000 volunteer members who help families search for their missing loved ones all over North America. Since her disappearance, the group has developed new software to help law enforcement, search and rescue and volunteers to identify key markings in rugged terrain that could lead them to the missing.
Ashley's case inspired thousands of people to join social media groups in support of the families of the missing. Her own Ashley's Army has more 1,500 members from coast to coast to coast. Her supporters are there for anybody who needs help.
On a personal note, Ashley inspired me to write blogs to raise awareness about the epidemic of domestic abuse and violence in Canada. Nearly every month, I now receive messages from families of women who have gone missing. In most cases, those women have been abused by their partners. I find it chilling that there are patterns in these cases that eventually lead to the doorsteps of men who have already committed violence.
It is clear to me now that we need to do a better job in teaching our girls how to protect themselves against domestic violence, and place their own value above the interest of any man or boy. Girls need to feel confident that if they ask for help someone will listen. And they need to know there are resources out their to help them leave toxic relationships.
We must also to teach boys growing up that women and girls are not their playthings, or commodities that they can own and control. We can all play a role in making this happen. Parents, teachers, grandparents, bosses, the media and law enforcement.
Ashley's case is a grim reminder that even the most loved and fearless woman is easy prey for a man who has it in his heart to do her harm. It is a cautionary tale. And it is one that bears repeating.
Ashley's dad always says he will never give up in helping the families of the murdered and missing. He made that promise on the grave of his daughter. I pledge to do the same, in Ashley's name. And every member of Ashley's Army will also take that pledge, I am sure.
We have seen the end game. We don't want that for our girls and women or for the families left to grieve.
Now it is time for all of us to do our part.
Safe travels, Ashley. Your work on this Earth is done. I pray that you can now truly rest in peace.
Our work is just beginning.
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