This Week on Talk Recovery Radio

Recovery Day BC  – Canada’s largest addiction recovery street festival returns as an in-person event.

The Executive Committee of Recovery Day BC Susan Hogarth and Lorinda Strang join fellow Executive Committee member Giuseppe and Recovery Day MC Darren on the show to talk about Recovery Day BC which is taking place in person this Saturday September 11th, 2021 uptown New Westminster.

Recovery Day Celebrates the many pathways to recover from addiction.

Did you know that Recovery Day in Canada started in British Columbia?

Though Recovery Day events are now held all across the country, the first Recovery Day in Canada took place in Vancouver. Realizing that the US recognizes the month of September as “Recovery Month” and that Canada had no equivalent at that time, it was time to bring the recovery movement to Canada!

It all started in July of 2012 when the team at Orchard Recovery Center was researching films for their upcoming recovery themed filmed festival. Executive Director Lorinda Strang and her then Communications Director Anne Marie McCullough became aware that the US Government recognizes September as “Recovery Month” however, they found that Canada had nothing like that.

They decided to start planning a local and public celebration of recovery.  Putting together a team with a history in Canadian Recovery was key to strengthening the movement – so the Orchard partnered with David Berner and Chuck Doucette of the Drug Prevention Network of Canada and Giuseppe Ganci of the Last Door Recovery Society.  They obtained a permit for the event and David Berner wrote the proclamation that was officially issued by the mayor. This inspirational document signed by Mayor Gregor Robertson officially recognized September 30th, 2012 as Recovery Day in Vancouver.

The day evolved into an afternoon celebration including the proclamation being read by City Councilor Geoff Meggs with a rally and march on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

In May 2013, it was announced that 12 cities across Canada would be hosting Recovery Day events throughout the month of September.

Recovery Day BC Social Media

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website

Post Recovery Day 2021

Recovery Day 2021 was a great success! Thousands of people safely showed up in the streets of New Westminster in the rain to celebrate recovery from addiction. Many people cried, many people laughed, many people enjoyed, many people danced and many people were inspired by the stories shared. Over 60 exhibitor booths were activated from health care providers, artisans, food trucks including 2 stages, a circus area, kids zone, bouncy castle, interactive recovery murals and a overdose memorial tree space. Multiple bands graced the main stage throughout the day, playing music from multiple genres and eras of music. The crowd enjoyed the music dancing in the streets and singing along. At 3pm Minister of Mental Health and Addictions of BC Shelia Malcolmson addressed the crowd, as well as New Westminster MP Peter Julian and MLA Jennifer Whiteside. Addiction treatment providers were well represented at the event, giving families options for their loved ones who struggle with addiction and substance use. The event was run fully by volunteers some arriving as early as 5:30am and leaving at 8:00pm.

Listen and Subscribe

Talk Recovery airs live every Thursday at noon on 100.5 FM, Vancouver Coop Radio. The Last Door produces this weekly radio show discussing the many pathways to addiction recovery. To end stigma we must continue to talk about recovery. Talk Recovery is in its 7th Season, Hundreds of guests, thousands of listeners, thank you. Show ideas? Email community@lastdoor.org

Powered by #NewWestRecovery