Multiple groups and individuals have stepped forward to offer support in the wake of the deaths of Lisa Gibson and her two children last week.
Wednesday evening, several organizations, including Winnipeg police, Klinic and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority were holding a support session from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Kirkfield-Westwood Community Centre, 165 Sansome Avenue.
The family of Lisa and her children Anna and Nicholas have asked anyone wanting to donate funds to give to the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba.
It's where mom Nicole Gamble started what she says is Manitoba’s only postpartum support group after experiencing depression and noticing a lack of resources.
“I just feel so blessed that the Gibson family has essentially reached out to our Mood Disorder Association of Manitoba,” she said.
Reports that Lisa Gibson had been experiencing postpartum depression have sparked conversations about the need for change.
Gamble said donations will create workshops for families and health-care workers.
“At the end of the day, we just want to create awareness, reduce the stigma and get people the resources they need,” said Gamble.
Eddie Marion-Gerula was also compelled to do something in the wake of the tragedy. He has no personal connection to the Gibson family but was touched by friends’ stories of postpartum depression.
He’s helping organize a “Run for Mums” to raise money for the Manitoba Mood Disorder Association on Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Kildonan Park. Registration will open later this week at the Running Room.
“The more awareness we can bring for this, the better,” he said, adding it will hopefully help avoid future tragedies.
Nicole Gamble is sorry it took a tragedy to shed light on postpartum depression but is also hopeful there will be change through public attention.
A public vigil is also being planned for Thursday, Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at The Forks in Winnipeg. The vigil will be held near where Gibson’s body was found.
People are asked to bring a white flower and candle.
Manitoba's chief medical examiner said an investigation into the deaths of Lisa Gibson and her children could take months to complete.
- with a report from Alesia Fieldberg