With a new variant floating around, sub-zero temps all day and a fresh snowfall making everything extra slippery, Saturday night's outdoor-only "Shed the Light on Addiction" Christmas Light-Up event at Discovery House could have been a washout.
Instead, it was one of the best attended, most compelling Christmas Light-Ups since the concept debuted a half-decade ago.
The annual event, where residents and staff get together with members of family, a few political types and the general public to activate the holiday light display at the Discovery House Winnipeg Street facility, is, said executive director Jerome Abraham, a way of dealing with stigmas.
"The event was started," said Abraham, "to help shed the light on addiction and help break the stigmas around addiction treatment and people in recovery.
"When we need more recovery spaces, it's often the knee jerk reaction of 'Not in my back yard.' So it's really just to break those stigmas and say, 'Here are some people you might recognize in the community.' Or you might hear their story and think, 'Oh, that's just like my son or daughter.' And here you can see the results with the proper treatment resources."
Abraham had a busy night calling folks to the microphone to tell their stories. Folks like former Discovery House resident Kevin Martin, who told PentictonNow his life "took a turn" when he was separated from his daughter and family.
"I ended up with a drinking problem," said Martin, a welder and fabricator who stayed at Discovery House for four months this summer and fall. "My life was falling into disarray."
But he claims it's turned around now and he credits Discovery House.
"My ex and I have never been better," he said. "And I have my daughter coming to visit me in four days."
Martin now lives "just down the road" with a friend who's been sober for four years. "He said I have an extra room and you're more than welcome to move in. So I did."
Almost a dozen residents and ex-residents would ultimately address the shivering crowd of 60-plus, as would VIPs such as MP Richard Cannings, Penticton councilor Judy Sentes and, of course, Santa.
But the night was also about money. Money so Discovery House can help more guys on the long road to full recovery.
In the spring of this year, the program unveiled its third Penticton residence. Situated on Edna Avenue, the modest yet spacious structure would house no less than five Discovery House residents who'd already been through primary care but would benefit from some extra time.
The new digs were a big deal, but even bigger when it was revealed Discovery House wanted to build a carriage house in the back that would accommodate three more people.
"We met with the City right away," said Abraham. "We had Schoene Homes on board early and they had a cost estimate of $300,000.
"We received some funding through BC Housing of $137,300 in October, and Valley First contributed about $29,000. And we had RPR Heating contribute $5,000. So that started us off.
"Now we want to raise another $150,000 to finish off the costs. We had another huge donation from Parker's Chrysler, for $75,000, and have raised $120,000 before tonight's event."
As it sits right now, Discovery House needs a further 30 grand and the campaign runs another 13 days to Jan. 1. Abraham said he's confident the goal will be met.
Acknowledging and giving thanks for those who've already contributed financially was current resident -- and soon-to-be graduate -- Wade, who chatted with PentictonNow after his stint at the mic.
"I just want to share that I really appreciate all the support everyone's given," he said, "because like I said up there, we need more beds for guys who really want to recover. It's all about unity, about people helping people."
Wade arrived at Discovery House in the middle of September. He said the decision saved his life.
"I was spending all my money (on his addiction) when I showed up at Discovery House. I somehow still have my vehicles, but I was about to sell my motorcycle because of addiction. I was losing everything.
"But I made that call and I've now completed my 90 days. Discovery House has been good enough to let me stay until I get my own place on the 1st of January."
Wade said he'll be moving to Summerland in the new year with another ex-resident where they can "stay clean together." The two are pondering the idea of launching an AA group.
To help Discovery House hit its Jan. 1 goal, surf on over to its website here and hit the "Donate" button at the top of the page or look for the floating "Shed the Light on Addiction" window.
