Rockin’ Out For Recovery to celebrate those healing from addiction

Featuring live music, guest speakers, and a barbecue, the SSM & Area Drug Strategy is hosting the free event at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion on Sept. 28

Members of the Sault Ste. Marie and Area Drug Strategy committee are pictured at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion for the 2018 Rockin' Out For Recovery event.Photo supplied

To help celebrate those in the community who have embarked on their journey to recovery from addiction, members of the Sault Ste. Marie and Area Drug Strategy committee are hosting a fun and educational event next week.

Called Rockin’ Out For Recovery, the 7th annual gathering at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion will feature guest speakers who have lived experience with addiction. Several area agencies that sit on the committee's table will also be on-site with informational booths.

Terri Nicholson, a former chair of the SSM & Area Drug Strategy and a concurrent disorders counsellor at the Sault Area Hospital, is excited to welcome back the public to their celebration after nearly three years.

“The event is absolutely critical to this community,” she says. “It’s an event where we can celebrate and honour those who are in recovery, those who are working towards their goals of substance misuse disorder and highlight the fact that recovery does happen. We’re happy to be back and see all the shining faces of those willing to come out and celebrate.”

The event is free and includes a barbecue, live music, and prizes.

Despite the pandemic, Nicholson says there have been significant gains to the community in regards to what addictions and mental health services are available and how people access them.

“We want the community to know we’re still fighting and still working to increase the services and increase the access, and really make the community a healthier and safer place for everybody.”

Nicholson’s hope is that next week’s event will help eliminate some of the stigma she feels still exists strongly in the Sault.

“We hope it builds awareness and puts a face to a lot of the struggles,” she says. “Some people have preconceived notions of people with substance misuse disorders, and we hope to bring those down. Addiction doesn’t discriminate.”

Organizers with Rockin’ Out For Recovery are excited to welcome back the public on Wednesday Sept. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion.