The family of the toddler who lost his life after a driver crashed into a Richmond Hill daycare last week held a public memorial service Sunday morning, where they also called for accountability for the accident and better safety measures at child-care centers in Ontario.
The service for Liam Riazati took place in Richmond Hill starting at 10 a. m., according to a news release from a family spokesperson.
“Liam’s life was cut short, but his story must bring change,” said a family spokesperson in the news release about the event.
In a statement, the family remembers their only child and grandchild for his laughter, curiosity and being “the heart” of their family. He loved balloons, balls, flowers and teddy bears, they shared.
“Liam was a bright, joyful and loving child who brought light and happiness into the lives of everyone who knew him.”
The family is also demanding an open investigation into what happened leading up to Liam’s death, stronger safety regulations at childcare facilities, and public awareness so that “other families are not forced to endure the same heartbreak.”
“No parent should ever have to wonder if ‘drop-off’ is safe. No child should ever feel the fear that some children felt that day,” stated the family’s message.
“His loss has left an emptiness that can never be filled, but his memory will forever remain our greatest treasure.”
WATCH | Parents are calling for the installation of barriers outside daycares:
Support grows for barriers to protect daycares. But who will foot the bill?
Parents are advocating for barriers outside daycares after a tragic car accident at a Richmond Hill daycare on Wednesday. A man in his 70s has been charged in connection with this incident and has since been granted bail.
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Richmond Hill residents dropped off flowers and stuffed animals at a crash scene after one child died and six others were injured when a vehicle drove into a daycare. (Meagan Fitzpatrick/CBC)
Liam’s aunt Mina Riazati stated that daycares should be among the safest places for kids; however, she added that being located in a commercial plaza next to parking lots surrounded by glass walls isn’t adequate protection for children.
She urged officials to “stop talking” and either create or enforce laws aimed at protecting children in daycares.
“We didn’t think for even one second that we’d be gathered for his funeral,” Mina said after the memorial service. “I don’t know if he is the first one [to die in crash like this], but he will be the last one.”
The only thing that can bring peace to this family is change within current systems-possibly introducing legislation in Liam’s name could help push these changes forward, she noted.
Hooshang Lotfi, a friend of Liam’s father, suggested looking into age requirements for drivers along with regulatory safety around daycare facilities as well.</
“I don’t know if there will be any remedy for this pain,” Lotfi added.WATCH | Individual arrested; charges laid in daycare crash:
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Support grows for barriers to protect daycares. But who will foot the bill?
Parents are advocating for barriers outside daycares after a tragic car accident at a Richmond Hill daycare on Wednesday. A man in his 70s has been charged in connection with this incident and has since been granted bail.
Officials need to act and ‘stop talking’: aunt
Liam’s parents’ lives changed forever when he was born, said a letter written by his mother Behnoosh Nori that was translated from Persian and read aloud during the memorial service. While she’ll always cherish those moments, she mentioned they’ve felt “like walking dead” since the tragedy. “Life doesn’t go on without you, Liam. In the mornings, no matter how long I wait, you don’t call out to me,” Nori expressed. “I would have given anything to hold you one more time.”
Charges laid after car crash killed 1 child; injured 6 others at Ontario daycare
York Regional Police report they have charged a driver involved in crashing into a Richmond Hill daycare Wednesday which resulted in one child’s death while injuring several others. The driver faces two charges: dangerous operation causing death as well as dangerous operation causing bodily harm. A man in his 70s has been charged with one count of dangerous operation causing death and two counts of dangerous operation causing bodily harm following Wednesday’s incident at First Roots Early Education Academy. Seven children along with three adults were taken to hospitals due to injuries sustained during Wednesday’s crash. Police confirmed Liam was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at hospital; In social media posts made late Thursday night by Education Minister Paul Calandra announced proposals requiring operators as well as municipalities must work together so parking spaces directly adjacent entryways windows or exterior walls related classrooms playgrounds within childcare facilities become prohibited; This does not apply however towards childcare providers operating privately out homes; Calandra indicated he directed ministry staff collaborate alongside service managers inspectors other organizations identify “vulnerabilities” find ways take immediate actions prior upcoming legislative updates.”Source link
