Dozens gathered in Lethbridge on Friday night in a show of support for the 25-year-old woman who remains hospitalized after being attacked on her way to work on the morning of September 30.

“It’s just overwhelming that a community can come together like this,” said Bill Fox who organized the event.

Fox, who does not know the victim or her family, says his intention was to recognize the ongoing plight of the victim without dwelling on the 20-year-old man who faces charges in connection with the attack.

“There was so much negative spin on it against that individual and, really, I wanted to take the focus away from that and focus on helping (the victim),” explained Fox. “This is going to affect her for years and years down the road.”

The victim, who cannot be named, was allegedly struck with a weapon, dragged into an alleyway and sexually assaulted. She suffered life threatening injuries and was transported to the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary.

Tami Simmonds attended the vigil and offered wishes to both the victim and the victim’s family. The attack has altered Simmonds’ outlook.

“Lethbridge is a safe place but when you hear about somethings, or someone getting hurt or attacked, it does make you on guard,” said Simmonds. “Being a woman myself, I get scared leaving work at night or walking alone.”

“This literally could have happened to anybody,” added Savana Antonation. “I think it’s just really important that we all just create a community and surround people that are affected by sexual assault.”

“We’re all behind (the victim) and we’re all thinking of her every day,” said Irene Young Pine, who has lived in Lethbridge for nearly 20 years. “There’s a whole lot of people that are wishing for her speedy recovery.”

Recently, officials with the Blood Tribe released a statement indicating a backlash from some Lethbridge residents after the accused, a First Nations member, was named.

Mayor Chris Spearman addressed the gathering at the vigil with sentiments promoting community in a time of division.

“It’s a difficult time in the city, there’s certainly a little bit of tension this past week,” said Spearman. “It’s important to support our people in our community that are hurting,”

“It begins with being loving towards one another.”

Gwen Rowley says the actions of an individual should not reflect on an entire group and she hopes Lethbridge can unify.

“I felt I need to be here tonight because I love the indigenous peoples in Alberta,” explained Rowley. “I think the young man, instead of getting mad at him and hating him, we need to figure out whatever got him to the point where he thinks he needed to do this to (the victim).”

Denzel Bird's case has been adjourned until Thursday, October 20.