For a neighbourhood shaken by violence, a barbecue seemed like just the thing.
The community event, organized by the Yaletown Business Improvement Association Wednesday, was meant to help a community racked by gunfire only days before.
“It’s the first time we’ve smiled for a week,” said Annette O’Shae, executive director of the BIA.
Paul Dragan, the 52-year-old owner of Yaletown’s Reckless Bikes, was shot June 10 outside a Starbucks by an assailant who fled on bike along the seawall and was injured and arrested after exchanging gunfire with police near Science World.
The free barbecue was sponsored by businesses in the area, including Starbucks, Urban Fare and Donnelly Group.
“We decided we needed a gathering and everybody was generous and stepped forward,” said O’Shae.
The BIA encouraged locals to display a community poster on their windows. T-shirts with “I heart Yaletown” were given out featuring a yellow bow for community solidarity.
Reckless Bikes had a booth at the event and invited visitors to sign a large get well card for Dragan.
Leslie Benisz, a Yaletown resident and friend of Dragan’s, watched over the booth.
“I’ve known Paul for years so it really hits close to home. Paul was an important member of the community,” he said.
“I’m very grateful that people happened to be there at the right time.”
They included Dr. Clifford Chase who attended to Dragan after the shooting. Benisz believes the event was necessarily to help the neighbourhood heal.
“It shows that people in Yaletown care. We’re close, we’re always welcoming and it shows that people are willing to help even when bad things happen. Yaletown is generally a safe place.”
Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu joined the gathering and signed the card.
Chu is proud of the officers involved in the incident.
“They had to deal with some very difficult circumstances during the call as there was a risk of human life,” he said. “These officers were shot at and we’re proud that they used their training to stop a dangerous and armed suspect.”
Jas Phillon, chief customer experience officer at Coast Capital Savings, said employees in Yaletown are doing well with thanks to the VPD. “They came by with cards for staff who might require counselling after the event.”
Canadian Blood Services also set up a booth to remind visitors of the importance of donating blood as Dragan used 60 units of blood during surgery.
The Dragan family remains shaken.
“First of all, Paul is doing well,” said Berry Dragan, Paul’s father, who came from his home in Nova Scotia after the incident. “I wasn’t here so all I heard about it [the shooting] was in the media.”
It became difficult for Berry to speak about his son. The family apologized to the media halfway through the event and asked for privacy.
Hundreds of participants came to show their support.
“Home is where your feet are,” said Benisz. “It is a tragedy but it shows that we care in Yaletown. Community is here.”
Gerald Battersby has been charged with six counts of attempted murder in connection with the shooting.
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