By Rosalind Russell – A mother from Manitoulin Island is remembering her young son who died as a result of gun violence just over a year ago.
Holly Roy from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory continues to advocate for JahVai, her eight-year-old son who was struck by a stray bullet while lying in his bed with her in North York in August of last year.
Toronto Police have charged three youths with first degree murder adding their identities cannot be released publicly under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
As part of her advocacy, Roy is reaching out to the wider public asking for them to stand with her as a gesture in supporting the need to protect children from violence.
Roy adds last month she helped organize JahVai’s Legacy Community Celebration in Toronto, sponsored by her home community, which featured a day of music, sports and more with contributions by the city, local sports organizations including the Toronto Raptors, Maple Leafs, and Argonauts, and mental health services.
Eventually, she hopes to establish a foundation in her son’s name creating a place where young people and families can find support for life’s challenges.
Meanwhile, she is focused on obtaining justice for her son, and having his legacy not be one of loss, but of remembrance and advocating for those who have been injured or killed as a result of gun violence.
Photo of Jahvai Roy on his first day of school in 2024 provided by the family – Vista files
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