A vigil Saturday night in downtown Windsor will honour those recovering from addiction, struggling with it now, and those who have died from it.
The fifth annual Lights of Hope vigil starts at 6 p.m. in Senator David Croll Park near Windsor City Hall.
Elizabeth Geddes is a volunteer with Light of Hope and the President of the new not-for-profit organization Hand in Hand Support which helps those suffering from addiction and their loved ones.
While a stigma remains attached to addiction, Geddes believes that will only change when those who are impacted are heard publicly.
"People need to understand that it's a disease, a crisis, and a pandemic of its own," she said.
She blames a lack of support services in the community for many of those deaths, saying the waiting lists for some organizations is three to six months long.
"Loved ones are dying waiting for help," said Geddes.
She speaks from experience having a loved one in recovery now.
"I know what it's like to try to get help. It's cumbersome," Geddes admitted.
She believes the tide is slowly turning in the way people look at those suffering from addictions but laments it's taken this long to get to this point to realize the problem is widespread. It is now the leading cause of death for Canadians aged 19 to 39.
The event will start with speakers who have all suffered in some way from addiction before the candlelight vigil gets underway.
Those that go can donate non-perishable food and money to support programs at the Windsor Youth Centre.
The Aegis Health Group will also be there offering naloxone kits.
