Press Release

Parents Against Illicit Narcotics (PAIN) and the Borderland Bicycle Club are partnering to host the Run for Recovery 7km Trail Run or 3.5 Hike for Health at Reef Point/Hopkins Bay Multi-use trail System. The idea of the event was to find an activity to promote the interests of both groups. For the Bike Club it is an opportunity to showcase the local trail system at Reef Point that is used by the club for mountain biking. The event is being called the Run for Recovery to promote the efforts of the PAIN group by bringing awareness to youth substance abuse issues and the need for youth addiction treatment services in the district.

The idea of a trail run and hike was considered to highlight the reality that recovery is not easy or smooth going and that people encounter and have to overcome many obstacles along their path, just as with a trail run. The event also offers people the chance to take part in an activity that promotes wellness and healthy lifestyle choices, both of which are important for those in the recovery process or for those struggling with an Addiction.

The date for the event is October 28, 2007 at 1:00 pm and people can wear their Halloween costumes if they dare. There will be a small entry fee of $5 for participants, and for the fee participants can enjoy the challenge of running or hiking a well marked and groomed 7km trail for the runners and a 3.5 route for the hikers. Recovery food will be available and participants have the opportunity to win several door prizes. The Reef Point/ Hopkins Bay Multi Use trail system starts behind the Great Bear Gas Station 13 km east of Fort on Hwy 11.

The following agencies and groups are sponsors or supporters of the Run for Recovery, Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition, Substance Abuse Prevention Team, Northwestern Health Unit Needle Exchange Program, Pharmasave, Riverside Community Counselling Services, Skates and Blades, The Great Bear, Road Id, Ken Boshcoff.

For more information contact Jeff Tilbury at Riverside Community Counselling 274-4807, check out the Borderland Bicycle Club webpage at http://borderlandbicycleclub.googlepages.com/home or pick up entry forms at Skates and Blades or Riverside Community Counselling Services.

Strachan and Pauline Perrault, chair and vice-chair of the group, said PAIN was seeking a treatment facility and aftercare counseling services for children under 16 years who have gotten caught up in the drug world. The number of young people using prescription pain killers and drugs like crystal methamphetamine is one the rise in the region, and it is next to impossible to get immediate help for them.

“There is nothing around for children under 16,” said Perrault. “If you do manage to find something, it’s going to take six months or a year to get in.”

Asked where in the district such a facility would be located, Strachan said it didn’t matter.

“Wherever the district decides to put it. If we manage to get a facility, it matters not to us where it is located.”

In addition to working to bring the needed services here, the group has called for increased police efforts to tackle the issue. It also offers direct assistance to parents and other relatives and care givers of youth who have fallen victim to addiction.

“We meet monthly to strategize on ways to promote awareness and assist parents who are dealing with their youth and addictions,” said Strachan.