Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette remembered at Blairmore vigil

A balloon release honouring the life of Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette was part of the vigil held Friday nightin Blairmore, Alta.

The two-year-old's body was found Tuesday just one day after her father's body was discovered.

• What we know about the Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette case

Derek Saretzky was charged Wednesday with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of indignity to a body in Hailey's death.He is in police custody and will next appear in court in Lethbridge on Sept. 23.

The deaths have left the small community in shock, and emotions were raw as the crowd gathered on Friday.

Many peopletravelled from all over Alberta,some without any connection to either the Dunbar or Blanchette families.

Catherine Mews came with her daughters and grandchildren from Pincher Creek to honour the life of the little girl.

"It's really struck us, our girls, my oldest, she's finding it very tough, and me with my grandkids, I want tohold them closer and keep them safe," she said.

The colourful balloons released to the skyeach had the number two on them for Hailey's age.

Other vigils planned

Somemotorcycle riders in Calgary areorganizing aride on Saturday at 10 a.m.from Longview toCrowsnest Passinmemory ofHaileyand her father.

Organizers are calling the fundraiserRide for Hailey and Terry.

"We all have kids, or grandkids, or nieces, or nephews," said Troy Carlson, one of the organizers. "This one hits pretty close to home.I'm quite an introverted person and I tell you this tugged at the old heart strings."

They'll be collecting donations and delivering them to the Pure Country Saloon whereBlanchette worked.The money will be used for a memorial park bench at a playground where Hailey liked to use the swings.

Restaurant managerTammy Traceyfondly remembers her co-worker as someone who could cook a "mean steak."

She also rememberedhow Blanchette would bring little Hailey in for a visitand how the young girl loved vegetables over any sweets.

"She had just found out she loved corn on the cob," said Tracey.

According to the Facebook groupIn Memory of Hailey Dunbar-Blanchettethere are candlelight vigils for Hailey and her fatherbeing held at the following locations:

• Olympic Plaza in Calgary on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
• Kin Coulee Park in Medicine Hat, Alta., on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
• Maffeo Sutton Park inNanaimo, B.C., on Friday, Sept. 18, at8:30 p.m.
• Victoria Quay in Port Alberni, B.C., on Friday, Sept. 18, at 8 p.m.
• Rotary Park in Cranbrook, B.C., on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m.
• Holland Park in Surrey, B.C., on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m.