The faces and stories of people whose lives have been forever altered by mental health and addictions took to the steps of Confederation Building yesterday for a heart-wrenching and powerful rally.
Under cloudy skies and a light drizzle, a rendition of ‘In The Arms Of The Angels’ began the event, with many in the crowd looking on with red and teary eyes, some clinging to pictures of their loved ones lost to addiction.
Grieving parents and family members, people still trying to get help for their loved ones, and those still struggling with addictions all had the opportunity to speak.
Woman speaks about her daughter’s ongoing addiction’s issues.
One woman spoke passionately about her daughter’s ongoing addiction issues. She says no one should have to go through the “living hell” they are experiencing.
The woman then turned the microphone over to her granddaughter, who offered a tearful plea to her struggling mother to “come back home.”
Health Minister Tom Osborne and Justice Minister John Hogan
Politicians also spoke, including Health Minister Tom Osborne and Justice Minister John Hogan. They will today be meeting with organizer Tina Olivero, who lost her son Ben last month.
Olivero says they will work on ways to fix the issues.
