Every year, MADD Chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and Guam conduct their Candlelight Vigils on the same night in December. Simultaneously, hundreds of chapters hope to remember the victims of drunk driving crashes, support their families, alert the public about the reality of drunk driving and express hope for a less violent future for us all. The most poignant of all MADD's special events, it is no coincidence that Candlelight Vigils are scheduled near Christmas and Hanukkah. Candlelight Vigils are a special opportunity for families of those killed to remember their loved one at the time of year traditionally involving famil and friends. Since that first Vigil, annual National Candlelight Vigils have been held every year except one with hundreds of chapters holding local Vigils on the same night.
Vigils are, first and foremost, for victims.
The goal of the Candlelight Vigils is to comfort and console victims and their families.