Penticton’s Discovery House men’s treatment centre will be holding their annual Shed the Light on Addiction fundraising campaign virtually this year.
The fundraiser will support Discovery House’s work in addiction recovery and “shed a light” on the numerous lives lost to addiction.
This comes as new data from the B.C. Coroners Service released yesterday (Nov. 25) showed that an average of five British Columbians people died of illicit drug overdoses each day in October. So far this year, 1,386 people have died due to illicit drug overdoses in B.C.
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“Help us Shed the Light on Addiction and remember those we’ve lost in this unprecedented year,” reads a Facebook post from Discovery House.
To support Discovery House residents can purchase either a single light bulb for $10 or a string of lights for $250 that will be strung up on Discovery House in memory of someone lost to addiction.
All donors will receive a tax-deductible receipt and a commemorative Shed the Light on Addiction Flashlight.
The house will be lit up in a Facebook Live event on Dec. 19. People who have lost a loved one to addiction can send in photos of the person they have lost and Discovery House will commemorate them at memorial days throughout the month.
“Lives are being shattered by overdose at an unprecedented rate, and although we’ve had a very tough year, we’ve witnessed many miracles at Discovery House,” reads the treatment centre’s social media post.
“Despite the challenges, the stigma, and the tragic losses, we’ve seen men overcome their addiction, find a new way to live, and be returned to their families and communities as productive members of society.
“It has been a challenging year for all and we know many are finding it challenging to make ends meet. If you cannot donate, please send your love and we’ll send some back. If you need our support for a family, friend, coworker or a loved one, please contact us.”
The goal for Discovery House’s fundraiser has been set at $40,000. Funds raised will be going toward a down payment on a new property which would add an additional 17 to 25 beds to the treatment program.
For more information on how to donate and participate, visit their website.
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jesse.day@pentictonwesternnews.com
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