Left to right: Brenda Seargeant from Rotary Club of Red Deer Urban Spirits; Turning Point Executive Director Stacey Carmicheal; and Turning Point's Giving Back Program Manager, Aisley Miles (Photo submitted)

By Troy Gillard

Rotary Club commits $10,000

Drug debris cleanup program returns thanks to generous donation

Sep 17, 2020 | 2:57 PM

A project offering individuals who use drugs the opportunity to safely collect and dispose of drug debris in Red Deer is making a comeback.

After a three-year hiatus, Turning Point has announced that they are relaunching the Giving Back program, thanks to a $10,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Red Deer Urban Spirits.

Turning Point says the funds will be used to provide an honorarium to volunteers who take part in the program.

“Drug debris is understandably a significant issue in our community and one that Turning Point can assist with in a very meaningful way,” said Stacey Carmichael, Executive Director at Turning Point.

Two to three times per week, a team of four – including two Turning Point staff and two peer volunteers – will embark on community cleanup in areas identified as debris “hot spots” such as downtown, parks and trails, and wooded areas.

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“For most of these individuals, this is one of the only opportunities they have for generating a safe income,” explained Carmichael. “This program is critical for the community as it actively involves those discarding the debris in receiving education and being part of the solution.”

Giving Back initially ran from 2016-2017 before it was ended due to a lack of funding.

“It’s only through the continued support of our community and donations from organizations like the Rotary Club of Red Deer Urban Spirits that programs like Giving Back can remain operational,” Carmichael noted.

“At Urban Spirits, our mission is to connect, build, and serve the community,” said club member Brenda Sargeant. “This program hits on all three of those areas and is an excellent opportunity for bringing greater support to our community.”