LEARN ABOUT THE QUESNEL DRUG SCENE BEFORE YOUR CHILDREN DO

For one parent, finding out what's going on in Quesnel regarding
drugs and risks to her children, prompted her to attend last year's
presentation sponsored by Quesnel and District Parent Advisory Council.

This year, Pam (not her real name) wants more parents and the public
to be aware of the issues in the community.

"My children are young but if parents aren't educated, they can't
educate their children," she said.

"Many people don't realize the drug problem in Quesnel. It's more
than a street issue, its in the schools, affluent neighbourhoods and
in the offices and businesses, it's everywhere."

Quesnel RCMP officers, who deal with the drug culture almost daily,
presents the straight facts on the risks, the reality and what
parents can do to be more aware and protect their children from the
world of drugs.

The presentation is Oct. 27 in Correlieu gym at 7 p.m.

"I'm making my mother and some of her friends attend this
presentation," Pam said.

"This could open their eyes to what's going on in their
neighbourhood, in the community and maybe their own family.

"Educating everybody, even those who don't have children or whose
children are grown, broadens the awareness.

"Knowledge is power."

She added the photos of drug evidence in Quesnel blew her mind.

"Especially the beating stick which was fabricated in the high school
shop," she said.

"Seeing the sophisticated apparatus and high tech objects used to hid
drugs and money was astounding. I've only ever seen that on TV and
all that's in our community."

Pam also said what goes on in the high schools now is something she
doesn't believe she or her peers would have gotten away with when
they were in school.

During last year's presentation Pam was pleased to hear the buzz in
the room. People were talking and reacting to what they were learning.

This year the presentation will also include representation from
various community groups who deal with addicts, addiction and
recovery with both adults and children and they will have people on
hand to answer questions and present their range of services.

Even people who attended last year will find new and relevant information.

"The street drugs change all the time and these drugs are in your
child's school," she said.

"I was shocked at what my children already knew, including the slang
names for drugs."

One practice Pam has always insisted on is her children never trade
or share food at school.

"You don't know where food has come from or what may have been done to it."

She sees the parents role to be as aware as they can.

"If they're not aware, they can't help their children recognize when
their children are in trouble," she said.

"Many parents think they don't have to worry until their kids are
older but that could be too late.

"Of course in an appropriate way, but even young children need to be aware.

"Knowledge is a form of protection. If you live in the community you
need to come to the presentation and bring a friend."

Pam also said the presentation is appropriate to children over the age of 10.

"But that's a parent's decision but children are welcome."

The presentation is free and open to the entire community.