Addiction is a major issue these days, with many people wondering how they can help loved ones, friends and acquaintances.
One option is by coming out to Charlford House Society for Women’s shredathon fundraiser.
The money raised goes towards the general operations of the recovery house, according to executive director Miranda Vecchio.
“It allows us to continue operating,” she said, explaining the funds cover groceries, utilities and other costs.
Anything left over helps the women staying at the house take part in recovery-based events, Vecchio added.
The third annual shredathon takes place on Saturday, April 21 at Lochdale Community School, 6990 Aubrey St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Urban Impact is donating the use of a mobile shredder, and staff – along with staff from Vancity – will be helping people unload.
“No load is too big or too small,” Vecchio said.
Watching the shredder can be quite the draw all on its own, and the fundraiser also includes a barbecue, so those who bring their personal papers for shredding can grab a bite to eat. Safeway at Kensington Plaza is supplying the barbecue fixings.
The society hopes to raise $2,500 at the event.
The 15-bed recovery house, which has been based in Burnaby since 1970, is the only licensed facility for women in the city, according to Vecchio.
They run a 90-day 12-step abstinence program and mostly treat women from the Lower Mainland, though they’ll treat women from anywhere, she added.
There is never a shortage of women to fill spots, according to Vecchio, though the age range has changed over the past three years.
“What we’ve seen is our demographic has shifted,” she said, explaining it used to be women over 19, but is now mostly women between the ages of 19 and 26.
The recovery house is holding another fundraiser in June, with its two-day garage sale, and will be accepting donations for that soon, Vecchio said. And of course, monetary donations are always welcome.
But the best way to support the women of Charlford House is by speaking out, she said.
“They can help by being courageous enough to talk about addiction,” Vecchio explained. “The more we try to keep it in the dark, the worse the problem gets.”
Ending the stigma around addiction is the best way to help those struggling with it, she said.
