Pubdate: Fri, 28 Aug 2015
Source: Tribune Express (CN ON)
Contact:  2015 2015 La Compagnie d'edition Andre Paquette Inc
Website: http://www.editionap.ca/tribune-express
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5536
Author: Diane Hunter
Page: 3

REALITY TOUR WELL RECEIVED

According to Constable Jonathon Bouchard, Hawkesbury is a hub for 
drug activity fueled by gangs such as the Rock Machine and Hells 
Angels. He says a program like Reality Tour could prevent local youth 
from getting caught up in drug activity.

An information session on bringing Reality Tour, a drug prevention 
program, to the area took place in Vankleek Hill August 19, giving 
locals a lot to think about and a chance to help. The Anglican Church 
Hall was filled to capacity last Wednesday, as service workers, 
community members and organization leaders came to hear about the 
proposed program.

Organizer of the information session, Caroll Carkner, was quite 
pleased with the turn out. "I am here as a grandparent, and a 
citizen," said Carkner. "I am concerned about the future of our 
youth. I'd like to get to them before they make serious decisions and 
powerful mistakes."

Veronique Berthiaume from the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) 
spoke to the crowd about the reality of drug use by youths in our 
region, sharing the results of a 2011 study on the matter. "Alcohol 
is the number one drug of choice for youth. It is a problem in our 
region," explained Berthiaume. "Of grade 12 students surveyed in this 
region, 91 percent of males and 90 percent of females have consumed 
alcohol. The provincial average is 50 percent. For all grades, our 
region is higher."

Berthiaume went on to explain youth in the region are consuming drugs 
and alcohol at a much higher percentage than the provincial average, 
and the Reality Tour just may be the answer.

Constable Bouchard explained marijuana is the number one drug arrest 
in the area, with meth amphetamines coming in second. He explained 
why it is so difficult to keep up with the drug trade and making 
arrests. "We have about 60 little drug dealers in the area, but if we 
get rid of one, they are easily replaced," said Bouchard. "Budget 
wise, there just aren't enough officers to keep up. One drug arrest 
equals eight hours of paperwork."

Bouchard described what to look for in youth that may have consumed 
drugs and parents have to be diligent about where they keep their 
prescription drugs. "They will have very glossy eyes," he said. "They 
will speak very rapidly and fidget." Bouchard also said that parents 
have to be aware of what their children are spending their money on.

How to help

Carkner explained the program needs a minimum of $4,000 just to get 
the license to begin, and will need more funds to run the program 
once it is started. "We also need about 18 volunteers to keep this 
going." The team consisted of six community members, however, several 
volunteers signed up during the information session.

Co-directors of the Reality Tour in Russell, Kelly Leblanc, and Kyle 
Gregg, spoke to the audience about how well the program went in their 
area, and what is needed to run the program.

Armand Lapierre from the Vankleek Hill and District Lions Club said 
the group is pleased to get involved with the community's greatest 
need. "Although we are few in number, we are pleased to announce we 
will match up to $4,000 in funds raised," said Armand. "We are glad 
to support Caroll in her efforts."

Jodie Densmore, executive director of United Way/Centraide was at the 
information to offer support. "Youth are an important part of our 
community," said Densmore. "This is a community initiative and we 
want to help." The following day, Densmore reported United 
Way/Centraide will help to fund the program with a $4,000 donation.

"We hope to put the Reality Tour on the calendar for November 14," 
said Carkner. "Our first meeting of volunteers will be September 16 
at 7:30 p.m." Carkner explained she would like to run the program 
again in February and once again in May, and hopes to expand to 
surrounding areas in both official languages.

More information on the program can be found at www.RealityTour.org. 
Information on how to help can be obtained by contacting Caroll 
Carkner at 613-678-1512 or  ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom