Walk 4 Wellbriety to bring awareness to local addiction services

Image: Bonnyville Indian-Metis Rehabilitation Centre and Kokum’s House.

A new event looks to shine a light on some of the local services available for those struggling with addictions.

The Bonnyville Indian-Metis Rehabilitation Centre has teamed up with Kokum’s House for the first annual Walk 4 Wellbriety, happening this Saturday. 

Their facility, located south of Bonnyville Beach, is where the walk will take place, with a barbeque lunch to follow at noon.

“We’ve been really isolated after COVID,” Stephen Wright, recovery coach and part organizer of the event told Lakeland Connect. “It’s a walkathon that is meant to spread awareness and promote, and what we are doing for addiction recovery.

“People didn’t know who we are, or they had the wrong idea of what we are. And we wanted to show people exactly what we do, who we are, and sort of introduce ourselves to the community in a good way.” 

The Bonnyville Rehab is a 42-day program that focuses on a holistic and temperate approach to the healing process. Wright says it allows clients the opportunity to sort of look at their mind, their body, their spirit and emotional approach to the healing, as well as the 12 step program.

Meanwhile, Kokum’s House is men’s recovery house that focuses similarly with a cultural approach. 

The 28-bed facility sees locals and province wide attendees, who get referred typically by an addictions counselor.

The walk-a-thon is taking participants for 3KM, 5KM, and 10KM walks up to Friday.

Registration is at 9:00AM, with the walk beginning at 10:00AM, and lunch at noon.

“A lot of community seems quite excited. We have some people all over the area coming in, so we’re quite excited.”

There is still time to sign up, through this link.