Recovery Day celebrates eighth anniversary in New West
Posted September 7, 2019 5:13 pm.
Last Updated September 7, 2019 6:48 pm.
NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS 1130) – Recovery Day celebrated it’s eighth year in New West Saturday to bring awareness to recovery and addiction.
Founder of the Chopra Addiction and Wellness Centre Nirmala Raniga says the event is aimed at celebrating recovery and supporting those struggling with addiction.
“There are people out there who are in recovery, but they’re scared to tell others because they might lose their job or their families,” she says. “Addiction is about isolation. Addiction is about shame.”
She says increasing education about addiction helps to break down the stigma and get people the support they need.
“People can embrace people who are struggling in addiction and really support them with love, compassion, and no judgement,” she says.
Part of Recovery Day is about recognizing those who have died from an overdose with a memorial. While the number has dropped slightly this year, three people die everyday from an overdose in B.C.
“They were part of our community, they were our loved ones, our family,” Raniga says.
There were also information booths, music, TED talks and vendors at the event.
Recovery Day first started in Vancouver in 2012, and is now held in cities across Canada.
