/EINPresswire.com/ --  More than 200 victims and survivors of impaired driving will step into an environment of support, fellowship and sharing at MADD Canada's National Conference for Victims of Impaired Driving from April 22 - 24.

With a network of caring and supportive peers, victims and survivors of impaired driving will gain information and insight to help them cope with their grief and recovery following tragic, life-altering experiences.

"From the moment I stepped through the door at my first conference, I felt the support and friendship," said Angeliki Souranis, who lost her son Craig in an impairment-related crash in 2008 and is currently MADD Canada's National President. "Nothing could take away the terrible pain and loss, but being surrounded by caring people who truly understood what I was going through was comforting and reassuring."

This year's keynote and workshop sessions include: surviving adversity and loss; understanding the criminal justice system; understanding civil law and settlements; introduction to meditation; coping with anger; and victims' rights in Canada. A separate stream of sessions and activities will be conducted for young victims of impaired driving, aged 15 to 25.

On Saturday, April 23, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., delegates will gather for a moving candlelight ceremony to remember loved ones who have been killed and acknowledge injuries sustained in impaired driving crashes. Photos of victims/survivors are shown, a tribute is read and a candle is lit for each victim/survivor.

To learn more about the conference, visit:
http://www.madd.ca/madd2/en/services/victim_services_national_victims_weekend.html 

With hundreds of Canadians killed and tens of thousands injured in impaired driving crashes every year, the need to offer support and services to victims/survivors is crucial. Supporting victims/survivors is MADD Canada's top priority. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across the country, MADD Canada offers: grief and bereavement support; support through the criminal justice system; assistance with victim impact statements; help with understanding victims' rights; a lending library; brochures; community referrals; and trained victim service volunteers.

Note to Media in the Greater Toronto Area:
Media are welcome to attend the Candlelight Vigil of Hope and Remembrance on April 23, 2016 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the BMO Financial Group Institute for Learning, 3550 Pharmacy Ave., Scarborough but are asked to RSVP by contacting Deb Kelly, MADD Canada Communications Manager at 1-800-665-6233.

For further information, call:
Deb Kelly
MADD Canada Communications Manager
1-800-665-6233, ext. 240

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