La Loche students healing from tragedy say thanks in special video

Students at La Loche Community School are saying thanks to those who showed support after a tragic shooting in the community earlier this year.

The class created a special video message of gratitude with help from a three-person team at the Saskatoon StarPhoenix who drove six hours to reach the northern Saskatchewan community.

“We want to thank everybody that donated and helped La Loche from that tragic event that took place on Jan. 22,” the video starts.

Two people died and seven were injured during a shooting spree at the local school; two boys were fatally shot at a nearby home shortly before.

A 17-year-old boy is accused of being the gunman. He was taken into police custody that day.

The video’s young male narrator goes on to thank firefighters, police officers, paramedics, counsellors and all those who helped in the grieving process.

The message also highlights how money donated by people from around world was used to create a better environment for students.

“(It) helped us start a breakfast program for the staff and students,” he said. “We bought new gym equipment for the students, so the money is being put to good use.”

The video shows kids taking part in new daily after-school soccer and softball programs, and a room lined with stuffed animals, handcrafted posters and letters of condolences sent from people around the world.

“We as a community are getting stronger as each day progresses, and we are getting closer and uniting as one,” the narrator said.

The complete StarPhoenix story is available to read online.