John Renton was one of the many people who gathered in Moncton’s Victoria Park on Wednesday to remember the more than 50 people who died in 2024 while experiencing homelessness and drug addiction.

More than 100 friends, family, advocates and community members attended the memorial service.

Some attendees shed tears as each name was read aloud and colourful leaves bearing the names were hung on a tree.

Over 100 people attended the memorial service at Moncton’s Victoria Park. (Rhythm Rathi/CBC)

Renton said it was wonderful to have a gathering to keep the memory of a dear friend and roommate alive.

“It’s left a lot of pain, but I know he’s not suffering anymore,” he said.

Renton lost his friend in October. He remembers him as someone who loved to give hugs and make others know they are important.

More than 50 names were written on colourful leaves and hung on a tree to commemorate those who died. (Rhythm Rathi/CBC)

His friend was also fond of building something new out of broken and discarded items.

“He was a man who was flawed and a man who was caring and loving at the same time.”

As the temperature dropped, he handed out gloves to many of the attendees.

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Renton runs a Facebook group called The Ragged People, with 400 members who distribute food and clothing three times a week to people living on the streets.

“I think it’s wonderful to show others that people cared about these people. They’re not just names on a tree, on a leaf. They’re not just stats at the coroner’s office. They’re actual people that have people that love them,” Renton said.

Community members gathered in Moncton’s Victoria Park on Wednesday. (Rhythm Rathi/CBC)

‘Everybody was different’

Dan Brooks, executive director of the John Howard Society of Southeastern New Brunswick, called the memorial an “opportunity for closure.”

He said many frontline workers who attended the service had a connection to those who died in the past year.

“They were unique individuals. Everybody was different,” he said.

“Some of them I knew personally and some of them I did not. But my frontline staff talk about them often — even after the fact that they’ve left us — and I know that they’re deeply affected by their loss,” said Brooks.

Dan Brooks, executive director of the John Howard Society of Southeastern New Brunswick, called the memorial an ‘opportunity for closure.’ (Rhythm Rathi/CBC)

Brooks said he hopes the service will remind the community that those experiencing homelessness and addiction must be seen, heard, loved and respected, as many of them have had a traumatic past.

Brooks had tears in his eyes as he remembered one individual who died due to an overdose.

“He was on the list today,” he said. “I don’t know how I feel. I’m a little bit numb.”

Rev. Chris VanBuskirk, of St. George’s Anglican Church, said the gathering is held outdoors as a reminder of what people who live on the streets of Moncton endure every day.

If you are in crisis or know someone who is, here is where to get help:

• CHIMO hotline: 1-800-667-5005, www.chimohelpline.ca.

• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868, live-chat counselling at www.kidshelpphone.ca.

• Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566.