Speeches Presented at the Memorial

Speech for Christina

        I am privileged to be the one standing up here considering that there are so many other people who were closer to Christina than I was at the time of her death. I hope the things that I express during my time up here will do her justice, although I do not believe that there are enough words in the world that can fully explain the person that she was. Through out my own life I have had friendships that came and went, but with Christina it lasted for 15 years, not by all our doing but by fate itself. I still remember her little pig-tails, her everlasting smile, and her willingness to love people for who they are inside and not what they are outside. There wasn't once where I have seen Christina judge a person by the color of their skin, or of their social status. She had a pure heart. And of course no one can forget her candor, in school or outside of school, but we all learned to love her for that. Christina was the one person who I know that even if we didn't see each other for 20 years I can still call her up and ask her for advice. Perhaps after losing such a friend you truly get a sense of the essence of life, and although no friendship in the world will replace the special one I had with Christina, my memories will keep her alive. The greatest lesson that I have learned, is to love and cherish each and everyone around us. That every person in this world should be loved, and be told how much they are treasured. Until recently my world was hollow and surreal, but then I saw the light and began moving towards it one day at a time. Christina gave me her ambition to move towards my dreams and turn them into reality. There is still hope, and there is still a lot to live for, because from a tragedy we must find our strength to help those who are still alive, from coming to the same conclusion. We must live out our lives to the fullest and not lose our own faith, because we have the ability to transfer pain into power and make a difference in someone else's life. Here's to the memory of Christina;

Psalm 121
A song of ascents
I lift up my eyes to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip-
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you-
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm-
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Speech for Yellow Ribbon Programme

        "There are 16 suicides a day in Canada and each completed suicide presents 100 attempts. 95% of all youth suicides are preventable."
        The Light for Life Foundation International was created by the Emme family after their son committed suicide on September 1994. Now, in May of 2000 a Light for Life Chapter has been created in Unionville High School. This new chapter to the Yellow Ribbon Program is dedicated to Christina Chadderton, our friend, and our strength. During these past few days many people have asked "What exactly is a Yellow Ribbon?" To answer the question, a person wearing a yellow ribbon is a person who will listen and help. The yellow ribbon program was created to prevent the suicides of our beloved teens. It's purpose is educate our community, and give back a sense of love and hope to those who feel that ending their lives is the only solution. The most vital part of this program is the Yellow Ribbon cards. These cards are the life saving tools that empower and encourage teens to seek help in times of crisis. A youth gives a card to someone they trust when they are at a time of need and looking to talk. The back of the card tells the person receiving it how to respond and what to do. The cards are not yet made available due to the short notice, but they will be provided soon. In the atrium yellow ribbons will be given to those who are willing to donate to our program. Donations are at no set amount and every penny counts. The money donated will go provide a presenter from Alberta to launch our program this coming fall, and as well as neighboring schools. Volunteers are needed for this new foundation and can be from any school or any age. A sign up book will be provided at the table. Further information will be available at the kiosk in the atrium. If we are able to save one life this program is already a success. "Suicide is the second leading cause of death of Canadian's between the ages 15-24." Like one of the popular sayings "take one day at a time", we must also save one life at a time.