'Stand where Galila stood': Vigil planned Friday for 4-year-old hit and killed by vehicle

A vigil is planned Friday evening for the family of a little girl who was hit and killed by a vehicle earlier this week.

The event will take place at 6 p.m.at the same location where the accident happened at the corner of Isabel Street and Alexander Avenue.

Four-year-old Galila died on Tuesdayafter she and her mom were struck whilecrossing the street Monday. Galila's motherGenet remains in hospital in critical but stable condition.

The family was originally from Eritrea, and had only moved to Winnipeg last month after years of living in refugee camps.

Thevigil is being put on by the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba, which is supporting the family.

"In the last several days we'vejust felt such an incredible amount of love and support from the community," said executive director DorotaBlumczynska.

"I've had both thejoy and the pain of meeting many of our neighbours and children that knew Galilaand know her brother, andthe confusion and the sadness that they are experiencing."

Blumczynska said many people in Winnipeg have been asking what they can do to help. She said one important wayis by attending Friday's vigil, to celebrate Galilawhile sending strength and love to her mother.

"The gathering is not just to honour the beautiful life that was lost.It is also to help the family know that they are not alone, that there is an entire community that grieves with them and an entire community that is ready to support and stand with them," she said.

"I think it's really important that we stand where Galilastood. And that our children stand there so that we don't forget for a momentthat we could have done things differently to protect the life of this child."

The vigil is open to everyone.