On a tragic day in August of 2009, our family and community suffered an unimaginable loss. My nephew, Kyus Caines, a bright and lovable five-year-old, was struck and killed by lightning at Centennial Park in Brampton, Ontario. His joyful presence touched everyone who knew him, and his untimely passing left a void in our hearts that can never be filled.

I am petitioning to rename Centennial Park to Kyus Caines Memorial Park in memory of Kyus, and to serve as a poignant reminder of the crucial safety measure we all must heed: to seek shelter immediately when lightning and thunder are present. Renaming the park would not only honor the memory of my nephew but also emphasize the importance of awareness and preparedness during storms, potentially saving lives in the future.

Lightning strikes, while rare, can have devastating consequences. According to Environment Canada, approximately 2.4 million lightning strikes occur over the country each year, resulting in an average of 10 fatalities and around 100 to 150 injuries annually. These statistics underscore the importance of public awareness and the need to inculcate safe practices during such environmental threats.

Renaming the park to honor Kyus serves a dual purpose of keeping his memory alive and educating others about storm safety. It would be a fitting tribute to a vibrant young life we lost too soon, and a constant reminder to prioritize safety.

Please join me in this effort to rename Centennial Park to Kyus Caines Memorial Park. Let us honour Kyus by creating a legacy that not only remembers him but also potentially safeguards our community from future tragedies. Sign this petition to make a meaningful change in Brampton and serve as a beacon of awareness and remembrance. Together, we can ensure that no family suffers a similar loss. Thank you for your support.