London, ON
Canada
Western University Medical Science Building Tainted Blood Tragedy Memorial Tree of Ontario SW1 since 27 October 2009
without names
Commemoration of the Tainted Blood Tragedy
The tree is an important symbol in nearly every culture. With its branches reaching into the sky, and roots deep into the earth, a tree symbolizes life. For families who have lost a loved one, it can be a daily reminder that the person is not forgotten, that his/her memory lives on.
More than 700 Canadians with hemophilia and other inherited bleed-ing disorders were infected by HIV/hepatitis C. Approximately 85 of these individuals lived or are living in the South Western Ontario Region. On Tuesday, October 27, 2009 members of the SWOR community came to-gether to honour and remember those affected by this tragedy.
Thank you to Marion, Jeff and Maureen who shared their poignant stories and to Councilor Paul Hubert for speaking on behalf of the City of London. Thank you to the friends and families who attended, honouring their loved ones. And a special thank you to the University of Western Ontario for allowing us the opportunity to share their grounds for the planting of our first tree.
Photo © Hemophilia Ontario South Western Ontario Region Blood Matters Issue 1

The plaque reads:
This tree stands as a memorial
to those who lost their lives
in Canada's tainted blood tragedy


27 October 2009
Hemophilia Ontario South Western Ontario Region, London, ON