TORONTO, Sept. 16, 2015 /CNW/ - Toronto's third Annual Recovery Day takes place at Mel Lastman Square on Sunday September 20th from 12:00– 3:00 pm. The event is being accompanied by an official proclamation by the Mayor, recognizing Recovery Day in the City of Toronto. The celebration will include entertainment, medical expert speakers, personal stories of recovery, booths representing Toronto's recovery support services and thousands of Torontonians rallying together in support of those who can and do recover from addiction.
In 2012 the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) found that 4.4% of Canadians met the criteria for a substance use disorder. This figure represents more than 1.5 million people, which is greater than the population of the entire province of Manitoba. Despite this prevalence, accessing timely and effective treatment services is a challenge for those suffering from addiction. Add the challenge of the societal stigma surrounding addiction, and there are significant barriers to seeking help.
Throughout the month of September, Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) Canada will join with partners across the country and around the world to celebrate the power and proof of recovery from addiction and its value to individuals, families, workplaces, and communities
"Recovery is the solution to addiction--and it saves lives," says Annie McCullough, executive director and co-founder of FAVOR Canada. Established in 2013, FAVOR Canada is dedicated to eradicating the stigma, fostering the development of recovery community organizations across the country and supporting such activities as Recovery month.
The first Canadian Recovery Day, organized by McCullough and others, was celebrated in Vancouver and Victoria in September 2012. This year, celebrations are being planned in 25 Canadian cities throughout the month of September, with activities ranging from rallies to breakfasts to bike rides.
“Addiction is preventable and treatable, and recovery is an attainable reality for many” says Rita Notarandrea, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.
Adds Ann Dowsett Johnston, bestselling author of Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol and also a founding director of FAVOR Canada: "We're taking the recovery movement to the streets, joining millions of North Americans in a major coming-out party. What was once hidden in church basements is now being celebrated from coast to coast to coast. This is a sea change in the world of addiction recovery."
For a full list of events planned across Canada, please consult the Recovery Day website www.recoveryday.ca, which also offers useful tools to encourage participation in a wide range of recovery activities.
To learn more about FAVOR Canada and how to join the growing recovery movement, please consult the organization's website www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.ca or [email protected]
SOURCE Faces and Voices of Recovery Canada
Image with caption: "Faces and Voices of Recovery Canada (CNW Group/Faces and Voices of Recovery Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150916_C7763_PHOTO_EN_498129.jpg
Image with caption: "Recovery day Canada (CNW Group/Faces and Voices of Recovery Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150916_C7763_PHOTO_EN_498131.jpg
MEDIA CONTACT: Alida Flannery, Media & PR Director, Recovery Day, Toronto, [email protected], Cell phone: (647) 239-7607
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