Thousands of green balloons filled the sky over Calgary on Tuesday night in a show of support for the families of Nathan O’Brien and Alvin and Kathy Liknes.
Calgarians gathered in parks and backyards and released green balloons, some with messages of hope, at 8:00 p.m. in tribute to the missing trio.
The five-year-old boy and his grandparents disappeared on June 29 and police are treating the case as a homicide.
Nathan’s parents, Jen and Rod O’Brien, gathered with friends and family on the playground in Cougar Ridge, where the young boy played, for a solemn ceremony.
“As a parent it's your worst nightmare, for sure, you just can’t imagine the sorrow and the grief that they must be going through,” said neighbour, Renate Gepraegs.
It’s estimated as many as 10,000 balloons were released into the sky on Tuesday night across the country.
“I'm so happy that so many people came out here to support and show them the country is behind them. We're all behind you and we all love you,” said Leanne MacDonald, coworker of Jen and Rod O’Brien .
Jeff Liknes, son of Alvin and Kathy Liknes and uncle to Nathan, says the gesture is overwhelming.
“Just nice to see that everyone is looking out for us. People I’ve never met before coming out to show their support, it’s just amazing actually,” said Jeff Liknes.
Even though police believe the three are dead, Jeff says the family is still holding onto a faint hope that they are still alive.
“Of course, I won’t say otherwise until I know for sure.” said Jeff.
Douglas Garland is facing three murder charges in the case and will next appear in court on August 14.
