Recovery Day in Lloydminster

In conjunction with International Overdose Awareness Day, Lloydminster residents gathered to remember those lost to overdose.

The gathering took place on Aug. 31 at the corner of 49 St. and 51 Ave., also known as Pocket Park, with a vigil and speeches starting at 1 p.m. 

The day was spearheaded by Residents in Recovery executive director, Tyler Lorenz, as a way to kick off Recovery Week activities.

“Overdose, particularly from opioids, is an epidemic throughout the world, not just here,” said Lorenz during opening remarks. “A total of 22 people will overdose in Canada today, and every other day this year, and those numbers have continued to rise.”

“We’ll remember those we’ve lost or are still fighting the disease of addiction today.”

Running for Shelter crosses finish line

The Running for Shelter fundraiser reached its destination in Wroxton, Sask. after nearly a month-long journey. 

Kagan Kneen, executive director at the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter, set out at the beginning of August to raise money for a new men’s shelter in Lloyd.

The nearly 1,300-kilometre run wrapped up Aug. 26 and Kneen says it has been very challenging.

“There’s been many times this month I’ve wanted to give up, I’ve wanted to quit, but for those of you that don’t know me super well, I am stubborn. When I commit to something, I stick with it,” he said.

In one of his many nightly “tent talks,” he spoke about how difficult the run had become. He was doing everything to battle the pain, including taking two extra-strength Tylenol, using Rub A535, and icing and elevating his legs after each day.

Kneen says change must start small, and this is his first step.

“I wanted to show I am all-in to help, not just the clients but our community. As I’ve told you guys many times, I was born and raised in the Lloyd area, and I have so much pride for the city, and change can only happen one step at a time.”

“I am 100 per cent committed to not just this and the fundraising but to making that change in the community.”

His goal is to start more conversations in a positive light and address the issues the shelter is facing.

Community bbq supports Residents in Recovery

With Recovery Week in full swing, Lloydminster’s Residents in Recovery hosted a community barbecue as part of a food drive. Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) provided the food from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Janelle McGillis from SIGA explained it’s all part of the organization’s plan to help the community.

“For us, it’s to give back, to share with our community, to share our success and support where we can,” said McGillis. “We just want to help out where it’s needed.”

Residents in Recovery’s executive director, Tyler Lorenz, said he’s always grateful for the community’s support for his organization.

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