The community of Melita held a BBQ event and parade through town in honour of Carter Tilbury and Shayna Barnesky, who were tragically killed in last week’s tornado south of Virden.

The drive-through BBQ and community drive took on Wednesday evening, paying tribute to the two teens as well as raising funds for their families.

Melita resident, Denise Renwick, helped to organize the event. Renwick says the response from the entire community was overwhelming to show support for these two families.

“We had about 1,500 people show up which was great,” she says, “and all the support was really amazing, and I can’t even express how I feel. We were expecting about 600 people so that turnout was really great.”

The drive-by BBQ served close to 400 vehicles and then they took to the streets for a drive through town, again to show support for the two families, and a hurting community as a whole.

vehicles lined up down the street

“I can’t even explain how surprised I am by all the support.  I’m so thankful for how many people came out for that.  I couldn’t count how many vehicles came out for that, there were too many.”

Funds raised will be divided between the two families, with Sunrise Credit Union in Melita continuing to collect donations on behalf of the fundraisers.