March 22nd, 2017
Serious Incident: Monday March 20, 2017
Wednesday March 22, 2017
On Monday evening while attending Open Space in Cambridge, a reoccurring member was assaulted by a person in the community. Waterloo Regional Police Services were called to investigate, and their investigation is ongoing. The member who was assaulted was also taken to hospital for precautionary examination, and thankfully does not have any serious injuries.
As the organization who facilitates and organizes Open Space, a community gathering space where all are welcome, Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region is deeply saddened and appalled that this would happen to a fellow citizen. This is the first time an occurrence like this has happened at Open Space.
We are deeply appreciative for the care shown by the Melville Café and the University of Waterloo’s School of Architecture. As well, we are grateful for the Waterloo Regional Police Service and their professionalism in handling this situation. The facilitators and members of Open Space were supported and supported each other through a difficult situation, and we are inspired by their acts of comradery – a true example of community.
We are continuing to work with the family and police to come to a resolution.
We are truly thankful for the community support the family, and we as an organization have received following this unfortunate event.
You may see various media stories covering this event, and events that are resulting in support of the family. We are and will continue to work actively with the media through this. While we can’t share personal information, if you do have specific questions, you may reach me at mdeboer@eafwr.on.ca
Maria de Boer
Executive Director
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region