More than 60 people came out on Saturday morning to take part in the inaugural Recovery Walk to raise awareness about addiction and recovery.
The walk commenced at the Marion County Courthouse, down Broad Street to Columbia’s City Park. People of all ages walked, some carrying signs to offer hope to those fighting addictions and to celebrate recovery.
April Prine, a part-time animal control officer, organized the event. T-shirts were sold, and she was able to present a check to The Mercy Project, a program through the Columbia Police Department, in the amount of $500 to Danielle Barber, coordinator of the program.
The Mercy Project is a program where addicts can voluntarily walk into the police department without fear of being arrested and seek help. The individual can turn over their supplies and paraphernalia without the worry of being placed in jail or questioned about where the supplies come from. Someone with the program will almost immediately get with the person and will help find a treatment program for the addict. The worker will also follow up and check on the recovery process.
Police Chief Michael Kelly said, “The walk was a huge success. Anytime the community and law enforcement can come together is a win for us both. We share the same vision: Recovery is possible, and you can get better.
Kelly said he was overwhelm by donations. The funds raised will be used to buy a Bible, toiletries, care packages, journals and anything that will help to make the transition into recovery easier.
Susan Prine said she walked for her daughter, April. April will be celebrating one year in recovery on Feb. 25.
Janice Caruana knows all too well the heartbreak that comes with addiction. She, through tears, shared how addiction has hit a member of her family and walked to lift the person up and to celebrate the eventual recovery the person will receive.
A child walked carrying a sign, “Walking for my Mama” and others also had signs saying things like walking for my daughter or son. Some even offered encouraging words such as “Your recovery is not out of reach.” There was also a sign which said “Recovery Walk 2020” all around the sign was names of people who are currently fighting addictions and for those whose battle has ended.
As the group gathered at the park following the walk, blue balloons were handed out. The balloons represented those who had lost the battle with addiction. There was silence as the balloons were released into the air.
Following the program musicians from The Springs Church, The Church on Main and Grace Chapel in Sandy Hook provided inspirational music to the crowd.
