Balloons set aloft in memory of those lost to suicide
Coloured balloons rise into the sky on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m., outside the Nunavut legislature in Iqaluit, during a suicide prevention event organized by Iqaluit city councillor Joanasie Akumalk, who lost a son to suicide. Nunavut Premier Joe Savikataaq said “it was a privilege to be part of today’s coping with suicide event in Iqaluit. I released a balloon to honour loved ones lost to suicide and their survivors. If you are struggling, please call the Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line for anonymous support 24 hours a day at 1-800-265-3333.” (Photo by Ron Elliott)
Supporting each other is great. Sometimes all you need is someone to simply be there.
Curious and straying away from the main topic but who will pick up these balloons when they fall back to the ground? Or are they made of biodegradable materials?
I am still grieving the loss of my son to suicide, but I too was conflicted about releasing balloons. They are harmful to wildlife, there is a shortage of helium worldwide. It’s time to ban helium balloons.
On another note, Wednesday is kindness day – a chance to make someone feel special, as we should every day.