The genesis of the MADD Canada campaign stems from the heart-wrenching loss of my beloved brother, Paul Brizzi, on August 17, 2019. His untimely death shook our family to its core and left an irreparable void in our lives. The perpetrator of this tragedy walked free for nearly two years before facing sentencing. Shockingly, on April 23, 2021, the justice system delivered a sentence that felt like a mere slap on the wrist – a paltry 6.5 years for stealing away a life brimming with promise and potential. My brother, Paul, deserved so much more than a mere fraction of his life taken away unjustly.
The injustice of Paul’s sentencing fueled a fire within me to advocate for change. Through the MADD Canada campaign, I’ve found a platform to amplify my voice and speak directly to policymakers about the urgent need for legislative reforms. It’s not just about seeking justice for Paul; it’s about preventing such senseless tragedies from befalling other families.
The media has been instrumental in amplifying our message. From television interviews to press coverage, I’ve seized every opportunity to shed light on the devastating consequences of impaired driving. But my mission extends beyond raising awareness; it’s about instigating tangible change.
The harrowing details of Paul’s demise serve as a grim reminder of the dire consequences of irresponsible actions. Rakunath Kanagaratnam’s decision to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol resulted in irreversible devastation. My brother, an innocent victim, paid the ultimate price for someone else’s reckless choices.
In the aftermath of Paul’s death, every day feels like a recurring nightmare. The pain is incessant, the grief overwhelming. Yet, amidst the despair, there’s a glimmer of hope – the hope that Paul’s legacy will spur meaningful change.
Partnering with MADD Canada was a natural choice for me. Together, we’re on a mission to raise awareness about the perils of impaired driving and empower young graduates and their families to make responsible choices as they embark on new beginnings. By harnessing the collective power of our voices, we can spark a ripple effect of change that reverberates far and wide.
Our MADD campaign isn’t just about selling t-shirts; it’s about embodying a commitment to change. With every purchase, individuals aren’t just contributing financially to MADD Canada; they’re symbolizing their dedication to preventing future tragedies like Paul’s.
The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but I’m determined to honor Paul’s memory by championing the cause he held dear. Through unwavering perseverance and collective action, we can transform tragedy into triumph. Together, let’s build a future where no family has to endure the anguish of losing a loved one to impaired driving.
Join us in our mission to drive change and honour Paul’s memory. Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time. With your support, we can turn grief into advocacy, pain into purpose, and tragedy into triumph.
GLOBAL NEWS CLIP – AUGUST 2019
Carla’s Cookie Box – PRESS RELEASE
Meeting with MPP Michael Tibollo
The Region: Chatting with Jim Lang
Speaking with Minister of Education Stephen Lecce
