Edmonton sober walk attracts 1,400 people

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Over 1,400 people participated in a sober walk in downtown Edmonton on Monday to commemorate the fourth annual National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW).

About 300 people gathered at Sir Winston Churchill Square for the start of the walk. "But many more joined in along the route or were waiting for us at the legislature," says Trish Merrithew-Mecredi, co-ordinator at St. Albert's Nechi Institute, which organizes the annual celebration of sobriety.

Participation came from every possible sector, says Merrithew-Mercredi.

"Mayor Jan Reimer marched with us and Alberta MLA Bonnie Laing represented the Alberta minister of health. And the associate deputy minister of health and welfare Canada was there."

As well representatives attended from groups like People Against Impaired Drivers, Edmonton Police Services, the solicitor general's department, Ben Calf Robe School and Henwood Treatment Center.

Since its inception in 1987, when Jake Epp - then minister of health and welfare Canada - proclaimed the first national campaign, the idea of communities across the country working together to bring the problem of drug and alcohol abuse to the attention of the public has grown.

"The first year only about 20 communities participated, but in 1988, 80 joined in. Last year it jumped to 405. And this year, it's about 800," says Merrithew-Mercredi.

Communities across the country organize dances, poster and essay contests, special school activities and sober walks. A prize of $500 is given by Nechi for the most ingenious community project.

"With the theme being Keep the Circle Strong, the speakers at the rally at the legislature - John Belaner, special Olympian, George Goodstriker, the older who gave the opening prayer, and Bill Beach from AADAC -all talked about the positive aspects of the campaign.

They reflected the positive feeling we all have that we are making headway against substance abuse," says Merrithew-Mercredi.