The Central Nova Women’s Resource Centre is expected to formally become The Lotus Centre in October.
The new name was made public during a ceremony at the centre on September 24. The day’s events also included dedicating the new Women’s Memorial Gazebo to the life of Cst. Catherine Campbell, and a dedication of a red dress in memory of Tanya Brooks.
“There will be a special resolution meeting on October 15, at 5 p.m., to formally change the name to The Lotus Centre,” said Tracey Dorrington-Skinner, the centre’s executive director, noting that the life of a lotus flower is a story of resilience.
Heidi Patterson, who worked at the centre on a term position, was the gazebo project manager.
“After working at the centre and becoming more aware of the needs of the women of our community, it became clear to me that we were missing a link in the spirit of providing resources,” she said.
She wanted to see an outdoor space where women could go to read, write, paint, chat, or be alone.
“It’s in honour of Catherine Campbell, and all the women who have tragically lost their lives,” she said.
Truro Police Chief Dave MacNeil said he couldn’t think of a better tribute to Catherine than the gazebo.
Susan Campbell, Catherine’s mother, thanked everyone involved in having a gazebo placed at the centre, and everyone who does an act of kindness in her daughter’s memory.
A replica of a red dress, dedicated to the memory of Tanya Brooks, was placed in the gazebo. “One things I’ve learned from this process is that murder doesn’t know race,” said Margaret Brooks, Tanya Brooks’ sister. “It doesn’t know colour, and one murder it not more import or less important.”
She said Catherine and Tanya were different when it came to profession, or lack of profession, but both women shared a kindness for others – and she urged people to be kind.
“Kindness doesn’t’ cost a thing. It doesn’t hurt and it’s rewarding in its own way.”
