Hundreds attend candlelight vigil for Dunnville's Baby Doe
Hundreds gathered in the twilight at the water's edge in Dunnville on May 23 to honour the as yet-unknown girl who was found in the river on May 17.
Her remains, so far as identified as being 10 and a half months and two and a half years old, were found across the Grand River at the edge of Dunnville's main bog island, and the community has been in a state of shock and grief.
It's hard to think about, harder thinking no family for her," said Ahslynne Maw, who paused to wipe tears and take a moment to shift her two-month-old baby girl sleeping in her arms. I don't understand how no one is missing her."
Pastor Dawn Ballantyne of South Cayuga Community Church was asked by organizers to speak to an unspeakable situation."
We are all connected," she said moments before the solemn but brief ceremony. We have hope, standing shoulder to shoulder at the river.
We hope and pray that she feels our love, and that her family, those of police and emergency services draw strength from us at this time."
Co-organizer Jessica Bathurst said she had young children and she was grappling with the unimaginable."
She was a young, very young child," she said, holding herself, tears flowing freely. It's unthinkable, how does a little girl disappear?
The community is here for her now."
Masses filed toward a cross at the riverside, leaving their candle or a rose and childhood tokens in the fading daylight. Just beyond the glow of the candled tribute, and the unrelenting sound of moving water, was the distant glow of a solar light where the girl's remains were found.
OPP were on site over the weekend, reiterating its call for the public to reach out with any information, however minute, of a little girl abruptly leaving - even if it seemed logical at the time.
"Help us to give her name back," said Det. Insp. Shawn Glassford in an OPP video.
For any information, call the centralized tip line at 1-844-779-9403.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a message online at www.helpsolvecrime.com. You may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.