Walk To Vancouver! Help End The Drug Crisis In BC

Hi everyone!

I have always enjoyed the challenge of putting myself in uncomfortable positions to test my physical and mental abilities. So, on May 10th, I will be walking 70 km from my home in Squamish to Vancouver’s Downtown East Side to support the thousands of people living in poverty everyday as a result of the opioid crisis.

In British Columbia, the opioid crisis has risen year after year to disturbing record high numbers. In 2021, there were 2232 illicit drug-related deaths, with 527 of those deaths being in the City of Vancouver. Unfortunately, there has been no sign of improvement in 2022 as the monthly average of drug-related deaths is on track to pass last year’s record. The opioid crisis is one that has affected my family closely – I have seen firsthand the harmful effects that substance abuse can have on an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing of their loved ones. I have also been fortunate enough to witness the enormous impact that outreach organizations and rehabilitation centres can have in helping individuals recover from substance abuse disorders. These experiences in my life motivated me to pursue a career as a first responder – a career that would allow me, in my own way, to do my part in helping others who are going through a difficult time.

I will be donating all proceeds from this event directly to PHS Community Services Society. PHS Community Services Society provides housing, healthcare, harm reduction, and health promotion for some of the most vulnerable and under-served people in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side and Victoria. https://www.phs.ca/

Thank you everyone for the support! If you would like to follow along on the walk, I will be posting to my Instagram throughout the day, @leejacksonmtb.

Lee Jackson