Elizabeth Fry Society's Tearing Down Walls On Drug Addiction For Anti-Stigma Day

Elizabeth Fry Society kickstarted dialogue for those suffering from drug addiction as it held its fourth annual Anti-Stigma Day at Millennium Park on Wednesday afternoon.

Kayla Farewell, Elizabeth Fry housing case manager (left) and Mourin Moyen, Elizabeth Fry volunteer (right), hold anti-stigma rocks that were hand-painted at the event and available for attendees. This is the fourth annual event by the Society which began in 2021 and runs every June 26. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event is always held on June 26 and runs alongside the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.’ It supports the war on drugs and helps destigmatize those who are struggling while using substances.

Anti-Stigma Day is one way of creating awareness and dialogue. Understanding those suffering from drug addictions is one way to destigmatize the notion according to Kayla Farewell, Elizabeth Fry housing case manager.

“It's not always a choice. Addiction can be really hard to come out and mostly what we ask for is just understanding,” she explained. Everyone is walking their own path. All of these organizations believe in walking alongside people as they walk their own path and it's just showing that compassion, understanding and a willingness to learn. A lot of the stigma comes from not knowing from ignorance whether that's purposeful or not.”

The YES Shelter, One City PTBO, Moms Stop the Harm, John Howard Society, Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes, Peterborough AIDS Resource Network, Peterborough 260 Nurse Practitioner-Left Clinic, Peterborough Public Health and Canadian Addiction Treatment Services were in attendances with tables to offer information sessions during the event.

Farewell says being open about having a conversation and not shying away from it, whether you are suffering or hearing out someone else, is a huge step towards ending the stigma.

“Starting dialogues with people, even people that you love, that you know have an addiction in the past, making sure you're not afraid to talk about it and making sure that you're not afraid to look away,” she said. “It is very present in our community and the instinct for a lot of people is just to look the other way but it's very important to come together as a community to help the people who live here who use substances.”

A community effort of having sympathy and empathy for those who are suffering from drug addiction is vital to destigmatization.

“They are just people,” said Farewell. “We are all a bad event from being in that position ourselves so having that sympathy, having that love and approaching it with open arms is really the key to all of it. It's takes community to come to get to help lift people up out of the tough spots.”

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Temporary Road Closure In Effect for Peterborough Butterfly Run on April 28

A temporary road closure will be in effect for the Peterborough Butterfly Run from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 28. 

The Peterborough Butterfly Run supports families and individuals who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, the loss of a child or are unable to conceive.  PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PETERBOROUGH BUTTERFLY RUN.

Affected streets will be:

• Engleburn Avenue from the south side of Charles Street to the north side of Maria Street

• Birdsall Street from the south side of Charles Street to the north side of Maria Street

Streets will be made available for local traffic. The public is advised that runners will come through this area between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the day of the event.

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Hometown PTBO: Alzheimer Society's Jen Johnstone Discusses Alzheimer Awareness Month and a New Virtual Reality Experience With Dementia

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Jen Johnstone, executive director of the Alzheimer Society Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland Haliburton about staying in Peterborough following her Trent University tenure, Alzheimer Awareness Month and EDIE, a virtual reality simulation to experience the world with dementia.

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Crimestoppers Bring Human Trafficking Awareness With New Transport Truck Wrap

To bring human trafficking awareness to the city, Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers has unveiled a new truck wrap at the Ontario Truck Training Academy on Wednesday afternoon.

The truck wrap stretches along 53 feet and is the same design on both sides. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Dave’s Towing & Recovery also sponsored it with Crimestoppers with the work by Big Rig Wraps. The truck is part of the Ontario Truck Training Academy.

From 2011 to 2021, Peterborough was the third-highest in the country, with 3.6 human trafficking incidents per 100,000 people. They trailed Thunder Bay and Halifax with 5.5 and 4.5, respectively, according to Statistics Canada.

Their data also showed that Peterborough jumped to 10.9 cases in 2021, only trailing Thunder Bay with 28.1.

“It is a problem that people aren't aware of and we wanted to make sure we're starting discussions,” said Alison Dyer, Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS) detective constable of human trafficking. “We need people to see the sign, ask the questions, talk to other people, educate themselves, educate their children, etc.”

The wrap is the 26th truck that Big Rig Wraps has done nationally regarding human trafficking awareness. Photo by David Tuan bui.

While anyone can be susceptible to human trafficking, those who are more vulnerable and aged 13-25 are more likely to be victimized, according to Dyer.

“You have human labour trafficking, you have immigrants coming in and they're being forced to work for less wages,” she explained. “Then there are those that can romance someone like they're grooming them and then the end result is you have a girl working in the sex trade, whether by force, coercion or exercising control over them.”

Dyer says that noticing the signs is key to being able to determine if your children are involved in trafficking.

“If all of a sudden, your child is coming home with all of these purses, new clothing or they're hanging out with new people, start asking questions and start having the conversation,” she said.

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Douro Boxer Cody Crowley and Kristi MacMillan Announced as Co-Recipients of CMHA's 'Champion of Mental Health Award'

Douro professional boxer Cody Crowley and Kristi MacMillan are co-recipients of the ‘Champion of Mental Health Award’ from the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) announced at the 2023 Annual Meeting that took place Wednesday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ESTHER LIN / SHOWTIME.

Crowley has actively advocated for mental health as launched a campaign in memory of his father. Irt raised close to $55,000 for Team 55 Tackles Suicide Awareness for youth mental health. CMHA HKPR says that his dedication to changing the narrative around mental health is exemplary and aligns with their mission of fostering knowledge, hope and belonging for mental health for all.

This year’s Annual Meeting at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club celebrated the organization's growth and success over the past year according to CMHA HKPR.

Other award winners include:

• Kristi MacMillan, co-winner of the Champion of Mental Health Award

• Wanda Findlay, recipient of the Exemplary Values through Direct Service Staff Award

• Tracy Graham, honored with the Administrative Service Staff Award

• Miles Leech, who received the Achievement Through Adversity Award

• Sherryl and Matt Wyatt, winners of the Caregiver Champion Award for Family Members

• Johnathan Hauser, presented with the Maurice Lovnes Volunteer Award

• Impact Recovery and Century Theatre, recipients of the Naresh James Champion of Mental Health Award

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City Hall Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day For Aug. 31 With Flag Raising Ceremony

In honour of recognizing those who lost their lives to drug use, a purple flag was raised at City Hall in honour of International Overdose Awareness Day held every August 31 on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough with Moms Stop The Harm, Peterborough Police and Peterborough Paramedics were in attendance for the event.

Family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; healthcare workers and support services extending strength and compassion and first responders are also recognized on Aug. 31. The day also highlights the importance of eliminating the stigma and discrimination against anyone who uses drugs.

According to Peterborough Public Health, between Jan. 1 and July 31, Peterborough paramedics responded to 182 suspected opioid-related 911 calls and drugs were responsible for 232 emergency department visits. There have been 43 people suspected to have died from drug poisonings as stated in a press release.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

On Thursday, Moms Stop the Harm Peterborough is hosting a memorial event at Millennium Park from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It features stories from family members who have lost loved ones, as well as information about substance use, overdose prevention, and harm reduction training. 

Prior to the event, community partners will be hosting flag raisings and harm reduction and naloxone distribution pop-ups throughout the City of Peterborough.

These pop-ups can be found at the following locations:

• Flag Raising – Peterborough City Hall
  Aug. 24 @ 10:00 a.m.

• Peterborough Public Library
  Aug. 25, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  Aug. 29, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Peterborough Square
  Aug. 28, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street
  Aug. 30 @ 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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Video: Cody Crowley Hosting Inaugural Team55 Tackles Suicide Golf Tournament Fundraiser For July 8

As part of Cody Crowley’s pledge to raise at least $55,000 for Team 55 Tackles Suicide initiative, he is hosting his inaugural charity golf tournament at Keystone Links Golf on July 8.

@ptbo_canada ♬ son original - FIGHTER 🥊🔥

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Elizabeth Fry Society's Anti-Stigma Day Raising Awareness and Education On Substance Use

Creating a dialogue and education on substance users was the mission for the Elizabeth Fry Society's Anti-Stigma Day that was held at Millennium Park on Monday afternoon.

Alana Parisien, EFry housing manager (LEFT) and Chelsey McGowan, EFry peer services manager (RIGHT) with "Stigma Ain't It, Bestie," and "You Matter" buttons for their 2023 Anti-Stigma Day for those who use substances. This is the third annual event by the Society that began back in 2021 and runs every June 26. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

The event is always held on June 26 and runs alongside the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.’ It supports the war on drugs and helps destigmatize those who are struggling while using substances.

Anti-Stigma Day is one way of creating awareness and dialogue to help bring an understanding of those dealing with substances according to Alana Parisien, Elizabeth Fry Society housing manager.

“They're combatting the stigma that's been perpetuated from the war on drugs which is kind of the historical day,” she explained. “Historically, it supports the war on drugs which we know is failing our community and perpetuating stigma.”

John Howard Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, Peterborough AIDS Resource Network and Peterborough Public Health among several other organizations were present with tents and kiosks at the event. They range from free giveaways, educational activities, a free listening session, games and information sessions.

One of the stigmas that those dealing with substances are the words and negative connotations behind them according to Parisien.

“I think a lot of stigma that we see, just typically in our community could be around the language that folks use,” explained Parisien. “Saying stigmatizing words like ‘junkie’ or narratives that are ‘why can't they get jobs?’ or ‘why can't they get well?’ or commenting like that, maybe just maybe a lack of understanding.”

Rather than raising judgment, opening a dialogue with compassion for those suffering is the proper way to approach the stigmatized said Parisien.

“Treat everybody like you would treat your own brother,” she explained. “If it's something you don't understand necessarily, maybe take some time to talk to someone as you would your neighbour to understand what they're going through each day.”

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Peterborough Butterfly Run Has Record Breaking In-Person Return

Although the morning was overcast and threatening rain, spirits were high and Millennium Park was full of energy as over 1,000 people came out to the Peterborough Butterfly Run on Sunday April 30.

photo courtesy of the peterborough butterfly run.

Attendees came out and participated in the 1KM Kids Fun Run, 1KM Memorial Walk or the 5KM Run/Walk. Every one of those 1,000 participants, supporters and volunteers also came to show their support for friends, family, co-workers, and even people they’ve never met, who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, the loss of a child, or are unable to conceive.

This was the first in-person Peterborough Butterfly Run since 2019, having moved virtual for 2021 and 2022. The support for the return to a live event was much greater than the organizers could have ever wished for.

On top of having a massive crowd in Millennium Park, a record total of funds was raised leading up to and during the event. Although donations are still coming in and being counted, the event raised over $100,000, making it the highest grossing Peterborough Butterfly Run since its inception in 2017.

“What an amazing return to the in-person format,” said Vince Bierworth, executive director for the GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, Event Organizers. “It was much more than we, the Peterborough Butterfly Run committee and Partners in Pregnancy Clinic, could have ever imagined. It was great to fell the fellowship, support, and comradery of the crowd, which is what the event has always been about. No matter what format the event has taken, there are so many that support its mission. For that we are very grateful.”

The top three fundraising teams were Team Benjamin Moffatt, Team Orangetheory Fitness and Team Jessica Dalliday. The top 3 individual fundraisers were Cody Welton, Danielle Mac Lean and Lauren McDonald. Event speaker Mike Dalliday shared with everyone the story of the loss of his wife Jessica and daughter Angeline, and how he, along with his 4-year-old daughter Rachel, have been managing since their devastating loss.

Funds raised at the event have been used to provide ongoing specialized education in Perinatal Bereavement Care to healthcare providers across Peterborough City and County, establish more than 10 lending libraries for individuals and their families located across Peterborough City and County, as well as the development of bereavement kits for families and individuals who experience early and later pregnancy loss and infant loss. Since 2018, more than 500 bereavement kits have been provided to families and individuals by health care providers in the community and at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).  

Those who would like to donate to support the Peterborough Butterfly Run can at any time by visiting the website, clicking donate and selecting Peterborough Butterfly Run.

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The Peterborough Butterfly Run Returns To a Live In-Person Race For It’s 7 Year Anniversary

The Peterborough Butterfly Run is returning to an in-person run for the first time in four years at Millennium Park on April 30.

photo courtesy of the peterborough butterfly run.

GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, in partnership with the Peterborough Butterfly Run executive committee and the Partners In Pregnancy Clinic (PiPC) are bringing back the annual 5 kilometre run/walk with the same route as previous years. Registration will open at 9 a.m., the 1K Memorial Walk and 1K Kids Fun Run at 10 a.m., opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m., and the 5K chip timed run/walk starting by 11 a.m.

The Memorial Walk is free, with 1 kilometre Kids Fun Run registration costing $5 and the 5K run is $45. This includes a race shirt, medal and various other items in the race kit.

The 2023 Peterborough Butterfly Run Executive Committee includes Kelly Ross, Jennie Vanier, Alessandra Friesen, Kori Mahon and Ashley Hickson and the event is also supported by a number of other dedicated volunteers.

Mike Dalliday will be speaking at the run, sharing his story with participants.

“The Butterfly Run has always been very special to my wife Jess and I. Even before our own battle, we had many friends and family members who had been affected by infertility, miscarriage and infant loss and the event felt like a way we could connect with and support those families,” said Dalliday. “In 2016 after we were married, we began our own infertility journey. But after almost 2 years of tests, appointments, 2 surgeries, close monitoring, and medications we were miraculously able to conceive our now 4-year-old daughter Rachel.”

“We were lucky enough to conceive our second child in 2020. However, after a rare complication of childbirth, both Jess and our newborn daughter Angeline tragically passed away in April of 2021. Through that experience and beyond, the Butterfly Run and the support and services it makes possible have been an integral part of our grief and healing journey. My family and I will be forever grateful for the Butterfly Run and the community of support it has brought into our lives when we needed it most,” Dalliday continued.

Funds raised at the event have been used to provide ongoing specialized education in Perinatal Bereavement Care to healthcare providers across Peterborough City and County, establish more than 10 lending libraries for individuals and their families located across Peterborough City and County, as well as the development of bereavement kits for families and individuals who experience early and later pregnancy loss and infant loss.

Since 2018, more than 500 bereavement kits have been provided to families and individuals by health care providers. Money raised at the race is also invested back into the race day itself as keeping costs affordable for participants, continuing to offer the free 1 kilometre Memorial Walk/Run, providing memorial bibs to all runners to write a personalized name or message and the display of memorial banners are all important aspects to creating the sense of community that the Peterborough Butterfly Run has become known for.

“GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation has been involved in the Peterborough Butterfly Run from its inception in 2017. We are excited to take a more lead role in organizing the event this year, under the watchful guidance of the Butterfly Run race committee” said Vince Bierworth, executive director for the GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation. “It’s great to be able to return to a live event this year as the last time we had a live event was in 2019. However, for those unable to attend on April 30th, or don’t feel comfortable doing so, we are also offering a virtual run option to build upon the success of the past two virtual runs and be as inclusive as possible.”

Registration is available online or in-person at Runner’s Life 174 Charlotte St., Peterborough.

Those who would like to find out more about sponsorship opportunities can email Vince@GPHSF.ca or PTBOButterflyRun@gmail.com.

For those who are unable to join on April 30, but would still like to support, a virtual option is also available. 

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