Pink balloons embellish properties on virtually every single road in St. Thomas, Ont. on Monday — it is a way to wish Aiden Curtis a content 12th birthday.
Curtis was killed in a crash involving an alleged impaired driver on Talbot Road on July 4. The neighborhood has rallied, which brings a uncommon smile to his devastated father.
“He would have been functioning all about city wanting for these,” stated Chad Curtis. “He was such an energetic go getter he would have just thought this was so wonderful to see these balloons.”
Above the weekend it was complicated to find crimson balloons in stock wherever close to St. Thomas. Social media has been a way for people to connect, and support locate where they can get balloons to cling on their property or business.
“It would make me sense amazing to know the assistance,” claimed Chad. “So a lot of people today are listed here to guidance us and support Aiden. He lit up everybody and I feel blessed. For this kind of as tragic factor to have happen, all these people today have arrive out and to do everything they’re executing is a blessing.”
Across the avenue from Aiden’s home, Dotsy the Clown was chaotic Sunday filling balloons.
Within 40 minutes of submitting on the internet that she’d make a dozen helium balloons for her charge, she received 50 orders. She put in all working day filling and bunching them up.
Houses, companies and streets about St. Thomas, Ont. are adorned with red balloons to honour what would have been Aiden Curtis’ 12th birthday on July 10, 2023. Aiden, who was killed in a crash on July 4, 2023 loved the colour pink. (Brent Lale/CTV Information London)
“That’s why I dwell in a modest town,” mentioned Shelley Summers, also known as ‘Dotsy.’ “That’s why little towns are so a great deal superior for the reason that when something does transpire, it truly is tragic but most people rallies.”
Cassie Mertick lives around the corner from the Curtis spouse and children. She and her young children have been filling the front of her household with pink balloons.
“I just assume it is really a excellent way for individuals to specific their condolences without having overwhelming the relatives and getting in their faces,” claimed Mertick. “They’ve experienced ample to deal with so I imagine it truly is a fantastic way to show the neighborhood that we’re supporting them with no overpowering them individually. Looking at them [the balloons] all more than the town like I know he [Aiden] would really like this.”
Households, firms and streets about St. Thomas, Ont. are embellished with pink balloons to honour what would have been Aiden Curtis’ 12th birthday on July 10, 2023. Aiden, who was killed in a crash on July 4, 2023 loved the colour pink. (Brent Lale/CTV Information London)
Alaina Carter, 13, went to elementary school with Aiden.
“I chatted with a bunch of people and it is been really hard due to the fact we utilised to like cling out and say ‘Hi’ in the corridor,” she stated.
“Aiden’s favorite color was red, so this is a excellent way to honour him, and clearly show regard,” included Tru Mertick-Chambers, a mate of Aiden’s sister.
Chad Curtis, who has low vision, can see some of the balloons. He’s been hearing from people near to him how many there are about town.
The memorial to Aiden Curtis on Talbot Street in St. Thomas, Ont. has the words ‘Happy Birthday’ written on the sidewalk, and a coronary heart manufactured from candles. Aiden was killed in a crash on July 4, 2023. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
“Even listed here, individuals are coming by and offering me balloons,” claimed Chad. “They’ve been placing them on my lawn and they are all over the place. Men and women are strolling by with balloons and it is remarkable that they’ve brought this neighborhood collectively.”
As the memorial at the crash site on Talbot Road proceeds to improve, some St. Thomas residents are preparing at vigil there Monday night. They are asking persons to put on purple, deliver balloons and candles.
A working day after what would have been Aiden’s 12th birthday, he will be laid to relaxation Tuesday.