Organized by local recovery advocates, Vancouver is scheduled to host the second annual Rally for Recovery at the Vancouver Art Gallery today from noon to 3 p.m. According to a press release, the event, accompanied by a proclamation from Mayor Gregor Robertson recognizing Sept. 8 as Recovery Day, celebrates Canadians in recovery from addiction. Expected officials in attendance and speakers include: John Weston, MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, and Vancouver Coun. Raymond Louie. The event will include a march, personal stories of recovery, a mass group Serenity Prayer circle enclosing the gallery courtyard and a performance from the VOC Soul Gospel Choir.
The United States Government has recognized the entire month of September as Recovery Month for more than 20 years, said AnnMarie McCullough, director of communications and community relations for the Orchard Recovery Center, in the statement. Realizing Canada had no equivalent they decided to plan a public celebration of recovery in Vancouver last September. This year, the event has grown across Canada with Recovery Day celebrations expected in 10 cities. With Recovery Day, organizers are excited to be able to shift the focus from the problem of addiction to the solution: recovery, she says.
recoveryday.ca
