Vancouver to get headstart on activities

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Most of Canada will hold National Addictions Awareness Week activities Nov. 18-24, but British Columbia's kick-off ceremony and activities will get underway several days earlier.

"We wanted to coincide with the provincial drug awareness week which begins Nov. 4," explains Deborah Senger, regional co-ordinator for National Addictions Awareness Week in Vancouver. Senger feels the goals of the two yearly awareness weeks are similar. The provincial slogan is Be Part of the Solution.

"As well the federal Crime Prevention Week is running at the same time and attention for this program is often centered on similar problems as in substance abuse programs," she says.

"As far as the city of Vancouver is concerned, we hope to kick off the week with a sober walk ending at Robson Square Convention Center. We are also working on getting participation from the mayor, other dignitaries and local role models" like the local Native theater group, Spirit Song. "Multiculturalism is the focus.

While plans are not yet complete, Senger hopes to hear from other groups who have been approached to join in. "The Burrand Indian Band, the provincial alcohol and drug program, NNADAP - the federal National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program - all are welcome," she says.

Mall displays will take the week's awareness goals to the public as we.. "We are setting up booths in malls probably with the co-operation of other groups like Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) and Students Against Drunk Drivers (SADD) to name just a few."

It is hoped bands outside the urban centers will mark the week in their own way be a least holding a sober walk in their communities, Senger says. With British Columbia leading all other provinces and territories in 1989 participation, she expects plans are indeed underway in many area. "I just heard about the community of Quesnel, which is challenging other nearby towns, so there is lots of interest out there."

Sener points out the importance of role models "The participation of well-known Native personalities is really helpful," she says. "But people have to look in their own communities too, for role models. Maybe they aren't famous, but if they had a substance problem, and then licked it, they should be looked at as role models, too."

Local people are often willing to help their neighbors by sharing how they overcame obstacles on their way back to a sober life, she notes. "As well they should be recognized for the personal accomplishment," she says.