Co-chairs of Recovery Day Ottawa Valley are, at right, Lianna Sullivan, executive director of Mackay Manor in Renfrew, and, left, Kim MacLeod, service director at Addictions Treatment Service and lead for the Renfrew County Youth Wellness Hub. (Sherry Haaima photo)
It’s an opportunity to come together in support of stigma reduction and increased wellness – Recovery Day Ottawa Valley is this Saturday, Sept. 21 at Low Square.
The event’s co-chairs, Lianna Sullivan, executive director of Mackay Manor in Renfrew, and Kim MacLeod, service director at Addictions Treatment Service and lead for the Renfrew County Youth Wellness Hub, are looking forward to another inspiring event.
Lianna tells myFM what the special day is all about.
With the ongoing opioid crisis and the effect it’s having on families and the community, the surrounding discussion is so often negative, said Kim, so Recovery Day is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the positives.
Both women have worked in the field for more than 25 years and say they have encountered many amazing individuals, supported by incredible families, from all demographics, during their careers.
Almost every family has at one time or another been affected by addiction, said Kim.
The Recovery Day celebration is a great opportunity for community members to learn more about the services and organizations available in the Ottawa Valley.
Among the many organizations and services represented at Recovery Day will be Renfrew County’s new collaborative Mesa program, as well as the Renfrew County Youth Wellness Hub, which just opened its second location at the myFM Centre in Renfrew.
Several individuals who are in recovery will be on hand to share their stories, there will be face painting, a bouncy castle and games for the kids, and, Lianna tells us, a special musical guest.
Recovery Day has been celebrated in Canada since 2012, when the first celebration was held. Since then, it has spread across the country and is being held in the Ottawa Valley for the fourth time.
The event is truly a collaboration of a number of organizations and individuals and Kim and Lianna are grateful to all those who worked on the initiative.
Joining the co-chairs on the Recovery Day Ottawa Valley committee are: Lise Laframboise (Pathways), April Gallagher (ASH), Denise Dodge (STOP), Amanda Kuipers (ATS), Courtney Hodgins (ASH), Sandi Wright (Algonquins of Pikwakanagan), Allison Kenney (Mackay Manor), Sarah Haaima (Renfrew County Youth Hub), Avery Prince (RCDHU) and Adrienne Campbell (Pathways).
Recovery Day Ottawa Valley runs from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)