CRYSTALLIZING ACTION AGAINST ADDICTION

Mark McLaughlin's commitment to a cause has already earned him well-
deserved recognition on Vancouver Island, and now the accolades are
coming from across the Strait of Georgia.

McLaughlin is one of the founders of Crystal Meth Victoria, a
grassroots initiative launched last June to fight the growing problem
of crystal methamphetamine use, especially among young people. The
highly addictive drug, commonly called crystal meth, has swept
through many areas of North America, and has had a significant impact
in the capital region in recent years.

Following a nomination by the Oak Bay Police Department, McLaughlin
was given the Canada Volunteerism Award at Volunteer Vancouver's
recent recognition ceremony. The singular award recognizes volunteer
contributions made outside of the Lower Mainland.

McLaughlin said he was spurred to take action when the crystal meth
issue quite literally hit home -- one of his children developed an
addiction. The child is doing better now, he said.

"When a family encounters the challenge of a meth-involved child,
it's a very, very hard situation," he said. "They can kind of make
two choices, they can give in and fall apart or they can try and
fight back. We chose the latter."

The family searched out resources and avenues of help, and found
little of either.

"We said that's not acceptable and we're going to try and do
something about it. I say we looked around and saw opportunity at
every point of the compass."

With that, the Crystal Meth Victoria Society began to take shape.
McLaughlin said the award from Volunteer Vancouver reflects a lot of
dedication from many people.

"The way I view this award is it's recognition of the work of the
Crystal Meth Victoria Society and the validity of the community task
force model that has allowed so many people in the community to step
up and participate in trying to work with this problem."

The group has a website at www.crystalmethbc.ca, DVD products and
brochures, and makes regular presentations at local middle schools
and high schools. Members have met with several cabinet ministers,
and are involved in talks with "community partners" that could lead
to announcements within a few months about new rehabiltation beds for
youth.

McLaughlin said Crystal Meth Victoria is also looking for a new
volunteer to take over press relations and publicity.

Anyone interested can contact 886-5978 or ress@crystalmethbc.ca.