Residents and representatives from various organizations gathered for a brief ceremony outside of the East Street Fire Hall Saturday morning to launch MADD Sarnia-Lambton's annual white crosses campaign.
The powerful visualization of 270 white crosses is meant to signify the number of deaths in Canada during the holiday season due to impaired driving.
MADD's local chapter posted a video on Facebook Live Saturday morning.
"As you go by, please take a moment to honour and remember all victims [and] survivors of impaired driving and make sure you do not drive impaired," said Natalie Andrews, MADD Sarnia-Lambton board member.
Saturday's ceremony was scaled back compared to previous years due to the ongoing pandemic.
MADD Sarnia-Lambton's annual white crosses campaign at the East Street Fire Hall. November 13, 2021. (Photo by Stephanie Chaves)
Area police forces have already noticed an increase in impaired driving charges over the past 10 months.
Sarnia Police Cst. John Sottosanti had previously said the upward trend is becoming increasingly concerning. So far this year, 79 charges related to impaired driving have been laid by Sarnia police, compared to 76 impaired driving charges for the entire year of 2020.
-With files from Stephanie Chaves