DRUGS ARE HURTING OUR COMMUNITY

Editor, The News:

I recently attended a public hearing for a rezoning application put
forth by the Salvation Army. While the whole situation with the Lions
Society, the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre and the Salvation
Army is somewhat sad, I believe all three entities do great work in
our community.

Many, many residents of Abbotsford - mostly those living in very close
range of the Lego building-expressed their grave concern about the
type of people the Salvation Army attracts, the increase in crime and
the values of their properties. Again, all valid concerns.

I do not live in the vicinity of the Lego building - in fact, I am
across town - but I too have concerns about the increase in crime in
my area. Every corner of our community is at risk.

The common factor in all areas of our community is the drug world.
There are drug deals being made on street corners, malls, schools,
parking lots, etc.

Our future leaders, doctors, lawyers, accountants, mechanics - better
known as our children - are trying to survive and cope among the pot,
heroin, cocaine, crystal meth that is all too abundant in our community.

Do you know that the $5 you give your child to buy a Slushee for
himself and his friend is enough to buy his death at the same corner
store where he can buy the Slushee? It's cheap and extremely
dangerous. Often the first hit is free!

We need to take charge of our community. It is the biggest job a
community can ever take on, but with help from everyone, we can win,
and be proud of our future leaders.

Watch your local newspaper and your local newsletters for more
information on upcoming meetings regarding drug awareness, the warning
signals and how, as a community, we can clean up Abbotsford.

B. Bader

Abbotsford