The Thorpe Recovery Centre has launched its annual fundraiser to raise money for its facility.
The goal of this year’s campaign is to purchase a vehicle that will allow them to transport patients for out-of-facility treatments.
“Sober September, regardless of its routes, is intended for everyone to abstain from alcohol and other vices, which gives us a reset button on a physical, mental and social level,” said Derek Keller, CEO of Thorpe Recovery Centre.
“Physically, it gives you an opportunity to see how your body functions without alcohol and these other vices, such as junk food or excessive screen time on social media, just to name a few.”
The facility has saved many lives, including the lives of locals, Aaron and Mindy.
Mindy’s Story
Mindy told her story to roughly 50 individuals at different recovery levels who gathered in the gym for a press conference. She spoke about the realization she was in trouble in Edmonton, coming home to Lloyd, and finally, why she went to the centre.
“My family convinced me to go to detox. Soon after, I discovered I was newly pregnant, and from that moment, everything changed,” said Mindy.
“I realized I had to fight, not just for myself but for the precious life I was now growing. That baby became my reason to persevere.”
The centre gave her the tools she needed to continue on her journey of sobriety. She eventually opened a business, which has survived many challenges, including a pandemic. Her company now gives back to the community.
Aaron’s Story
Aaron’s theory is to live recovery out loud. After 17 years of fighting demons, this is the way he finds help in his journey.
At 15, after his parents passed away, he admittedly had very few life skills. He turned to alcohol, then drugs to get away from the feeling of “I’m not good enough”.
“Alcoholism and drug addiction is such a cunning, baffling, powerful enemy. It didn’t take anything from me, it caused me to give it away willingly,” said Aaron.
“I was willing to trade it. I gave everything I had away: all the people, all the love, and all the support I had. I willingly gave it away to try and feel okay, 10 minutes at a time.”
He decided he didn’t want it one day after staring death in the face; Thorpe was there and met him where he was.
“As soon as I decided to start making a change, there was a bunch of wonderful people who created space and time for me to get better and offered me skills and tools I never had growing up,” said Aaron.
“This is the place, I came through here; I graduated from the 42-day program here, and I’ve managed to put together a couple one day at a time. It was only through the love and support of people and me getting out of my own way, that I am here.”
If you are interested in supporting the fundraiser, Sober September, visit ThorpeRecoveryCentre.org/event to register for the campaign.
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