A local group is hosting a running event in Tsawwassen next month to raise awareness of the drug epidemic in the Lower Mainland.
The Society for a Drug Free BC, a group composed of concerned mothers and citizens partnering with the international Foundation for a Drug-Free World, wants to raise awareness and offer education to the community.
They hope to do this by sponsoring the Drug-Free Dash on Sunday, Sept. 9 – a 5km/10km run and a 5km walk at Centennial Beach in Boundary Bay. The event begins just after 8 a.m.
To register go to www.drugfreedash.ca.
“We know there is a huge opioid crisis in B.C. Last year, 1,422 people in B.C. died of drug overdoses, and we decided to do something about it,” said Wendy Field, co-director and spokesperson for the society.
“We need to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and educate our youth so they can make an informed decision, ultimately to save lives. Our overworked social services, corrections, police and first responders are hard-pressed to handle this crisis. They handle the effects of drug overdoses, from fentanyl and crystal-meth to heroin and other street drugs. Often, they are too late.”
Proceeds from the event will go to KidSport Delta and the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast B.C.
Field said they chose those programs because they provide the means for organized sports and after-school activities to help promote an active, healthy lifestyle which helps keep youth focused and active. Proceeds will also benefit drug education materials for youth groups, law enforcement and educators provided by the society.
These hard-hitting DVDs and booklets describe each drug in use today, with exact street names for each, and the harmful side effects. The aim is to get these into schools and youth groups, so children will know what to expect, and can make more life-saving decisions.
The society also provides full kits for free to teachers, police and community workers – anyone interested – to aid them in drug education.
For more on the society or to get information about the drug education materials, email [email protected].
