ST. THOMAS HOSTS DRUG INFORMATION SESSION

St. Thomas church is hosting a public presentation on illegal drug
use and how it affects Sherwood Park families.

The Community That Cares information night will take place on April
25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

It will educate adults and teens on a variety of illegal drugs, but
will focus on crystal meth.

"I felt we had to do something to make the community aware of what an
effect it has on these young people," said organizer Herb Belcourt.

A long-time Sherwood Park resident, Belcourt worked with Strathcona
County family and community services to hold the event.

"I'm just a concerned citizen. I have two grandchildren and of course
I'm worried for them as they become teenagers," he said.

A slide show presentation will give a vivid account of how crystal
meth affects the body.

"It's really graphic and it's not suitable for children under the age
of 13," Belcourt said.

But parents are encouraged to bring their teens to the presentation,
which will feature a guest speaker from the RCMP, as well as parent
and youth testimonials.

"I encourage our good citizens of Sherwood Park to come out, listen,
see what happens when the family is affected with drugs, what we
should be looking for and what we can do to help the police,"
Belcourt said.

The information evening is free, but donations will be collected for
Parents Empowering Parents, a support group for adults with children
battling addiction, as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Strathcona
County.

For more information call 464-4044.