Glow stick photos to be compiled in book for Van de Vorst family

Images of dark night skies filled with the light of glow sticks have been pouring into a Facebook page to honour the family of four killed in a crash outside of Saskatoon.

The "Vigil for the Van de Vorst family provincial wide" page has received hundreds of photos to honour Jordan and Chanda Van de Vorst, their five-year-old daughter Kamryn and two-year-old son Miguire, who lost their lives as a result of a crash at Highway 11 and Wanuskewin Road on Jan. 3.

The page was originally set up for a one-night vigil on Jan. 9 to coincide with a memorial service. But friend and fellow photographer Jacqui Ferguson said they've decided to compile the photographs into a book.

• Photographers honour Van de Vorst family killed in Saskatoon crash

"One of the things we thought we could do was share these photos that people across the province, even the world actually, have posted by putting them in a book to give to their family," Ferguson said.

As photos from around the province, Canada, and even Hawaii and Texas began rolling in, Ferguson said she was struck by the outpouring.

"What really struck me was how many families got involved with it and had fun with it actually getting out with their kids and twirling around coloured lights in the night and taking photographs together and in a lot of cases it was kind of a really beautiful bonding experience in that way too," she said.

"So it's been so heartwarming to see that impact has spread beyond just our friends and beyond [Jordan's] family, that he really has had a big impact on the community — him, Chanda, and the kids. It's just been a really beautiful light in a very tragic week."

Ferguson said she spent hundreds of hours photographing the night sky with Jordan and while they waited for the auroras to dance, they would practice their skills with glow sticks.

She hopes the book will bring some comfort to the family by letting them know that the community and beyond is sending them love and support.