DRUGS HAVE NO HOME IN GIFT LAKE

No drugs just hugs in Gift Lake, was the theme chanted on Feb. 13
during the Gift Lake School's walk against Drugs.

Grades 4-9 participated in the walk, organized by Gift Lake Community
Intervention and Gift Lake Community justice. Each student was
responsible for designing their own posters for the day with an array
of anti-drug messages.

The day was greeted with a bright sun and cool breeze but that didn't
stop the young enthusiasts from spreading their message to the community.

To kick off the walk their was a small rally in the gym where guests
gave a presentation or speech.

Cassandra McDonald, an 18 year-old recovering Crystal Meth user,
stood in front of the students and told a powerful story about what
can happen to a person using drugs through her own experiences.

The students, teachers, and parents in attendance were given the
opportunity to ask her questions about the side effects. McDonald
stated that had it not been for her family, and a Doctor's scary
prediction she would die in six months if she didn't quit, she
wouldn't be where she is today on the path to recovery.

"My mother never judged me she was just there for me," says McDonald.
"I quit out of the love for my brother, if I was to die who would be
here to take care of him."

Kristine Maurice and Dianne Fraser from AADAC played "Big Red" with
the children asking them to take the tinfoil from their piece of Big
Red gum and stick it to their forehead.

The pair then asked the children why they would do something just
because they were told to. This game taught the kids about how peer
pressure works, and how to spot it.

Annette Tallman, Gift Lake Metis Settlements community justice and
Family Violence and Bullying co-ordinator says this walk is a very
positive activity.

"It lets the community know we aren't going to tolerate drugs in our
community," says Tallman.

This was the first time community service of Gift Lake organized an
event targeting drugs, and it won't be the last, adds Tallman.

"Our goal is to have a drug free community and we aren't going stop
until we do," continues Tallman. "This is going to be an annual event
until the goal is achieved."

Tallman says she believes programs like the walks will reach people
in the community who are being affected or even using, stating that
it already has.

"I have already had students calling asking what else we were going
to do or host because they want to be part of it," says Tallman.
"This is very positive."

Tallman adds anti-drug programs in the community are much needed.

"In the past we have had members OD'ing and families are coming
forwards to say it is a problem," describes Tallman.