Nationwide Recovery Month Takes Root in Winnipeg
In the midst of the local meth crisis, and against the national backdrop of the opioid drug poisonings and staggering numbers of deaths by overdose, Winnipeggers are organizing an event to share stories, celebrate successes and share resources and information about substance use and recovery.
Rosetta Troia, Counsellor at St Raphael Wellness Centre (SRWC) and Co-coordinator of Recovery Day Winnipeg, says that they see this event as having three primary purposes. “To celebrate people’s recovery from substance use and addiction, to help raise awareness and contribute to help to end the societal stigma of substance use, and to offer hope, understanding and support for those individuals and families still affected by substance use.”
Ms. Troia leads a Women’s Continuing Recovery group at SRWC. The women in her group had been exploring ways to give back and have a positive impact on their community. Initially, they were planning a Kindness Day.
“We wanted to take a day to intentionally be kind and caring to others in need. Sometimes all someone needs is human connection, no judgement and a little bit of hope”Said Greta W., one of the event initiators. “Then when we heard about the National Recovery Month movement and that Winnipeg was not a part of it, we saw an opportunity to take this to the next level. To bring hope and healing to individuals living with substance use by sharing our experiences, strength, and resources”
Recovery Month is a Canada-wide effort that encourages grassroots-driven celebration of a Recovery Day in sometime in September. Recovery Day events are held in almost 30 cities across Canada, but this is the first time Winnipeg has been involved. The national Recovery Month is coordinated with Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR).
Recovery Day Winnipeg will be Friday September 21, 2018 at the Millennium Library Park (corner of Smith & St Mary), from 10 AM – 2 PM. There will be speakers, performers, food for sale, and organizations offering information and other resources.
Recovery Day Winnipeg would like to thank Johnson Group, Royal Bank of Canada, and SRWC for their generous donations of money, time, and volunteers.
