The Society for a Drug Free BC is hosting its second annual Drug-Free Dash in Tsawwassen this Sunday (Sept. 8) to raise awareness of the drug epidemic in the Lower Mainland.
A group of concerned mothers and citizens that has partnered with the international Foundation for a Drug-Free World, the group’s mandate is to educate people, particularly young people.
The Drug-Free Dash, a 5 km/10 km run and a 5 km walk at Centennial Beach in Boundary Bay, will take place for the second year in a row thanks to key sponsors Kerr Construction and Design and Graph’em Solutions.
“There is a huge opioid crisis in B.C. Last year there were over 1,533 people in B.C. who suffered illicit drug toxicity deaths or overdoses. Many of these are youth making a bad choice taking drugs just once and then dying,” 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.”
Proceeds from this event will go to KidSport Delta and the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast B.C. Field said they chose those organizations because they provide the means for organized sports and after-school activities to help promote an active, healthy lifestyle for youth.
Proceeds will also support drug education materials provided by the society to youth groups, law enforcement and educators. These hard-hitting DVDs and booklets describe each drug in use today, complete with street names and harmful side effects.
The aim is to get these into schools and youth groups so children will know what to expect, and can make life-saving decisions.
The society also provides free kits to teachers, police and community workers to aid them in drug education.
For more on the society or to get information about the drug education materials, email [email protected]. Anyone wishing to run or walk to help support the cause can register at www.drugfreedash.ca.
