For the second year, the San Dimas High School club, UNICEF, went to Covina to set up and run booths at the local YWCA’s community resource fair and candlelight vigil. UNICEF president Tiffany Ng and Treasurer Vincent Cardenas, San Dimas High School Sophomore and Freshman, organized the event with 13 club members in attendance. The Community resource fair and candlelight vigil has been annual for the past five years, consisting of hundreds of community members in attendance and providing educational and impactful resources for the San Gabriel Valley.
UNICEF club president Tiffany Ng, a Sophomore, has been in the club for the past two years. When asked why the club volunteers for the candlelight vigil, Ng claimed, “It’s important to spread awareness for an issue that is often underrepresented.” San Dimas High School UNICEF club focuses on the well-being of children in various aspects such as mental health, education, and physical health.
The candlelight vigil was held on October 18 from 4 pm to 7 pm. A total of 13 club members participated in the event. The members helped with the set up of booths, focusing on informational and snack booths. Throughout the event, there were over 100 community members in attendance. For the first couple of hours, guests could learn from over 20 booths of organizations around the community offering resources and goodies for everyone. Prominent organizations that set up informational booths were L.A. County Mental Health representatives, The Human Services Organization, and the Asian Youth Center.
One of the workers of the event, Julia Zuniga, a Domestic Violence Advocate exclaimed that every year the event, “is an important and amazing experience that commemorates those who endured domestic.” In addition, Domestic Violence Counselor, Chantal Garcia explained that when it comes to domestic violence survivors, “It is with their strength that they have now thrived in their healing journey. ” and that “it is a way to empower those that are currently struggling through these issues and to remind the community we have the power to uplift and truly help those in need.”
Later in the event, various speakers expressed their experiences and advised attendees. Former victims who participated in YWCA’s services spoke about their stories and how the programs offered have helped them overcome their trauma and prosper in their violence-free new lives. Domestic Violence Advocate, Zuniga also exclaimed that “domestic violence is something that is really hard to talk about, and these events give victims a voice and provide hope.”
At that point of the event, UNICEF club members were able to provide everyone at the event with candles to begin the candlelight vigil for those who lost their lives to domestic violence. The event was a sorrowful but beautiful experience for everyone in attendance. UNICEF members participated in a moment of silence and also assisted in lighting up the ceremonial altar. The closing of the event was extremely beautiful and all club members were proud to have been a part of the ceremony.
