Frontline addiction workers recognized by drug strategy committee

Addictions workers were recognized for their efforts on the frontline during the 2nd annual Silver Ribbon Gala Thursday night at Verdi Hall.

The event, hosted by the Sault Ste. Marie and Area Drug Strategy Committee, saw a number of awards handed out, including:

• Humanitarian Award: Kendra Tourigny
• Extra Mile Award: Christine Gigliotti
• Trailblazer Award: Ellie McGoldrick
• Hidden Gem Award: Crelene Duck
• Community Advocate: Jessica Wabigwan

All awards handed during the Silver Ribbon Gala were named after Kevin Reid, an employee of the John Howard Society, who died May 30.

Members of his family were on hand for the gala.

One of last night’s award winners, social services employee Kendra Tourigny, works in the addiction services initiative, which makes referrals into the community for people struggling with addictions.

“There’s such a crisis in the community that people are feeling really overwhelmed and burnt out, so it’s really refreshing to let people know that their work is not going unrecognized,” she said.

Tourigny was initially nominated due to her non-judgemental approach to her job.

“Just giving people a feeling of worth,” Tourigny said. “I know a lot of times [people living with addictions] burn their bridges with everyone, so they just kind of need that person to believe in them and really [help them stay safe]. That’s my main priority.”

In Tourigny’s eyes, every frontline addictions worker deserved an award last night.

“We were sold out this year, so it was really nice to see that - a big improvement from last year, and I think it’s catching on, and people feel really good about being recognized,” she said.