As many as 10 men will get a belated Christmas gift in the coming year thanks to the work of Discovery House and the generosity of the community.
The rehab centre, which operates two recovery houses in the city, is hosting its third annual Shed the Light on Addiction campaign and open house Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. at its 633 Winnipeg St. location.
Discovery executive director Jerome Abraham is someone who knows the value of the service first hand.
“I was a client 10 years ago. I showed up in Penticton with two garbage bags and no place to live and went to Discovery House,” said Abraham. “I mean, most of the clients that we’re helping at Discovery House are some of the most marginalized people in the community; street-entrenched or maybe coming from corrections and definitely not able to pay for private treatment at $10,000 to $50,000 a month, or whatever it is.
“We subsidize 75 per cent of the cost for clients while they’re in care at Discovery House. That may be up to two years so we’re sort of reliant on the community and Penticton has always responded in a big way, so we’re grateful for that.”
READ MORE: Penticton business donates $20,000 to Discovery House
Until the end of the month Discovery, which is operated through the Penticton Resource Recovery Society, is asking people to show their support by buying Christmas bulbs for $10 each or strands of 25 for $250 to be hung at the Winnipeg facility.
This year’s goal is $29,000, with the money going towards getting men into at least the 90-day treatment program and having the necessary long-term abstinence base support they would not otherwise be able to afford.
“I think everybody’s fairly aware of the overdose crisis that’s been happening for the past three years and also just all the other issues that have gone along with under-treated addictions, so this will help at least three to 10 people,” said Abraham.
People who donate will receive a flashlight pen and a tax receipt for contributions over $20.
Santa is also expected to make an appearance at the light up and open house this year.
To purchase bulbs or for more information call 250-462-1388 or go to prrs@shaw.ca
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