Hundreds of people from throughout Windsor-Essex gathered to "break the stigma" surrounding addiction Saturday.
September is Recovery Month across the country and Recovery Day Windsor put on a family oriented event at Lanspeary Park.
Several people took to the podium to recount their struggle with addiction. Recovery Windsor Chairperson Brandon Bailey says sharing experiences and mingling in the community is a way of breaking the stigma.
"Resources that we have here with all of our different community partners we're able to give them some resources to them help and they can become productive members of society," he says.
He told AM800 News addiction can overcome anybody, anytime, anywhere — people may be fighting a battle that can't be seen.
"Addiction doesn't discriminate, it can affect a teenager, an adult, a senior, a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, your school teacher, your lawyer, your doctor, it could affect anybody," says Bailey.
Beauty day for Recovery Windsor at Lanspeary Park. #cklw pic.twitter.com/0PztqFKhqo
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) September 16, 2017
Beauty day for Recovery Windsor at Lanspeary Park. #cklw pic.twitter.com/0PztqFKhqo
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) September 16, 2017
Food and informational booths surrounded the courtyard of the park — a play area with inflatables, tours of a Windsor fire truck, and police vehicles were on hand for the kids.
Bailey says the family oriented event was designed to bring people together.
"We really want to stress that to the general public, it's all about not discriminating," he says. "If addiction doesn't discriminate, then everyone should be equally welcome here."
More than 20 community partners participated in Recovery Day. Bailey encourages anyone in need of help to reach out, they're not alone.
For more information on Recovery Windsor and its partners visit www.recoverywindsor.com.