In 2019, two District staff members, Shawn and Leanna Kerswell, and their family experienced a terrible tragedy when their son, Alex, died by suicide. He was a young man experiencing mental health issues, and their family could not access the help they needed. Leanna and Shawn (and their son Chris) want to ensure that Alex is never forgotten.
Since this tragedy, staff at the District have wanted to do something to support the Kerswells to honour his memory. In that spirit, District Council passed a resolution brought forward by staff to name the Home For Good youth housing facility “Alex’s Place” in honour of Alex. The Kerswells were extremely touched by this proposal when it was announced at District Council on Monday, March 21, 2022.
“Council was so pleased to pass the resolution that was brought forward by District staff,” said John Klinck, District Chair. “Renaming the Home for Good housing facility after Alex Kerswell honours his memory and supports Chris, Leanna, and Shawn’s work to keep Alex from never being forgotten.”
A plaque will also be installed by the door with a message from the Kerswell family: “In honour of Alex Kerswell. May his memory live on through the lives that are touched as they walk through the doors of Alex’s Place.”