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.
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