Family of Toronto van attack victim host special night to spread awareness on gender-based violence

The Toronto van attack that took place on April 23, 2018, was a horrific act of terrorism that killed 11 people and injured 15 others. Among those who were tragically killed was Anne Marie D’Amico, a beloved daughter, sister and friend, and a 2010 graduate from the university’s business program. 

To honour her memory and carry on her legacy, the D’Amico family started the Anne Marie D’Amico Foundation (external link)  (AMDF) that helps women and children live a life free of violence.

Ahead of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on Dec. 6, the AMDF is hosting its pinnacle fundraising event, The Turtle Project (external link) , on Friday, Dec. 3. The event is hosted on the same day each year to commemorate Anne Marie’s birthday, and will be a celebration of inner strength with award-winning music artists and local performers.

“The foundation was started as a way for us to move forward with my sister and help us through the grieving process. It has helped us keep her spirit alive within us and have her help others as well,” said Nick D’Amico, Anne Marie’s brother and president of the AMDF. 

“She was always there for you. Not only that, she was there for you with her whole heart, her whole being and all her energy. There was nothing she didn’t try to make the most of. No matter what, she was there with a smile and a positive attitude. She really tried to soak up as much of her life as she could while building up the people around her.”

The inspiration behind The Turtle Project comes from Anne Marie’s childhood nickname. For the D’Amico family, the turtle is a symbol of strength, stability and longevity. It also represents wisdom, peace and good luck. 

Considered one of the deadliest vehicular mass murders in Canadian history, the 2018 attack was carried out by a man who drove a van into pedestrians along Yonge Street in the North York neighbourhood of Toronto. Nine of the 11 deceased victims were women.

The attack has largely been seen as misogynist terrorism as it was motivated by ideas from the incel movement of mostly online groups of young men who blame their social rejection and lack of sexual activity on women.

The goal of the AMDF is to raise one million dollars to aid the North York Women’s Shelter (external link)  that accommodates 40 women and children at any given time. Since it opened in 1984, it has been a place of healing, empowerment and refuge for over 11,000 women and children who have escaped violent homes.

Held at Meridian Hall, the Turtle Project will be an evening of live entertainment with Tara Slone as the emcee. The event will feature performances by JUNO award nominated artist RALPH, Toronto-based singer and songwriter POSEY and the dynamic singing duo Crash Adams.

Other performers include NorthFIRE circus feat. Spin Starlets and Dr. Draw, extreme illusionist Ray Chance and comedian Frank Spadone. 

Community members are encouraged to use the code ‘DMZ’ for discounted tickets to the special event. 

Other events on campus

As part of its programming for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based violence, Consent Comes First is hosting a memorial for the 14 women who were murdered in 1989 at L’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal in an act of misogynistic violence.

Held every year on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, the memorial is an opportunity for the campus community to mourn their loss while reflecting and renewing its commitment to end violence against women and gender-oppressed people.

Ontario has seen an  (PDF file) 84 percent increase (external link)  in femicides of women and girls this year by the men in their lives and the Consent Comes First team has been focused on supporting students who have been affected by intimate partner violence.

For a full list of events and to register for the memorial, visit the #16DaysofActivism 2021 website.