The Empower2Recover Foundation is hosting Walpole’s Battle for Recovery on Saturday, Oct. 24, in partnership with Walpole Island First Nation.
The gathering at 770 Tecumseh Road will bring together community members, families and people with lived and living experience to share stories of recovery, resilience, healing and hope. A community lunch runs from noon to 1 p.m., followed by the Battle for Recovery from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The keynote speaker is Jay Barnard, known as Chef Recovery, the founder and executive director of the foundation. Barnard has been in recovery for more than 18 years and is a former drug dealer turned executive chef and motivational speaker.
“Recovery is about so much more than overcoming addiction. It’s about rediscovering who we are, finding our purpose, healing from within, and understanding that our past does not have to define our future. I’m incredibly honoured to bring Battle for Recovery to Walpole Island First Nation. Together, we are the Statistics of Hope,” Barnard said.
Tom Herstad, the foundation’s community director, will also speak, along with community participant Jessica D. and lived experience speakers Derek S., Tawnya S., Romaine P. and Janet A.
The foundation thanked Walpole Island First Nation and its council for supporting the event, along with Steve Sands, Jessica Joseph, Harland Joseph and Herstad.
