TWO North Shore residents are among the organizers of the inaugural Recovery Day, being marked in Vancouver Sept. 30. Bowen Island Orchard Recovery Center's AnnMarie McCullough, director of communications, and Lorinda Strang, executive director, are among the individuals who've played an integral role in having the journey of individuals in recovery from alcohol, drug and other substance dependencies celebrated officially by the City of Vancouver, according to a written statement.

Mayor Gregor Robinson proclaimed Sept. 30 as Recovery Day and the women, in conjunction with Vancouver resident David Berner, executive director of the Drug Prevention Network of Canada, are presenting a rally and march to mark the occasion at the Vancouver Art Gallery beginning at noon. All community members are invited to attend the event, which has been well-supported by the recovery community.

The United States government recognizes September as Recovery Month, says McCullough, in the statement. Realizing Canada has no equivalent, she and her peers decided to put the public celebration together. The event is intended to shift the focus from the problem of addiction to the solution - recovery - she adds.

A number of local dignitaries will be in attendance. For more information, visit www.orchardrecovery.com or www. facebook.com/recoveryday.