DRUG AND ALCOHOL AWARENESS NIGHTS START SATURDAY

When one person in a family has a problem with drugs or alcohol, the
whole family is affected. Understanding that the best treatment is
prevention, the Winds of Change Steering Committee has joined forces
with the Joint Drug and Alcohol Task Force to produce two events
around Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week.

The last official public events this year for the Winds of Change
Steering Committee, the Drug and Alcohol Awareness Nights are being
held in both Pemberton and Mt. Currie.

"Drugs and alcohol can affect a family at any time and it's good to be
prepared ahead of time. It's good to have the resources in front of
you. Both of these nights will be a great places to get information,"
said Carrie Terchinetz, co-organizer of the events.

The Pemberton evening will be held at the Pemberton Community Centre,
Saturday, Nov. 18 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The program includes guest
speakers targeting all ages. Geoff Pross, coordinator of the Pemberton
Youth Centre and a local youth worker, will be leading a discussion
about the impacts of marijuana use for teens. Richard Tran from the
Needle Exchange Program will be discussing addiction issues with
adults and local high school students will be producing a puppet show
for younger children.

The same program will be offered in Mt. Currie at Xit'olacw Community
School on Thurs., Nov. 23, but the event will start at 5 p.m. with a
community dinner.

Terchinetz is excited about the potential the targeted programming
will have.

"We think it's essential that we have programming suitable for every
member of the family, so people will have a place to start the
discussions once they get home," she said.

The events will also see the unveiling of the Winds of Change Steering
Committee's drug and alcohol awareness posters that feature local
youth from both communities.

"We've found a dozen young people who are committed to leading healthy
lives. These young people, from elementary school to post-secondary
students, all have the potential to be powerful role models in their
communities."

The kids featured on the posters were nominated by their teachers at
Signal Hill Elementary School, Pemberton Secondary School and
Xit'olacw Community School.

Both events are free and open to all community members.