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Little by little, your contributions, and those of the friends you share this with, will help 18 men get better and create a better life for the little people who rely on these men. Here is a letter from Brandon, a son whose dad didn’t get treatment and now advocates for addiction recovery, so men like his dad CAN get the help they need.

My dad was many things, a fireman, a hockey coach, a scrabble player and the best waffle maker in our city (in my opinion) - but growing up his struggle was like an intermittent undercurrent pulling us down and suddenly swirling our family in any direction without warning.

He always had a job, we always had food on the table, he was kind, he was loving and he was loved.  My dad was a good man.  My dad was also unwell.  For many years my mom would try and clean up his messes (and hers) to keep the illusion that we were a “good family”. It was a deadly illusion … the shame and stigma they felt kept them from reaching out and getting the treatment and support he needed, frankly that we all needed.  

I was too young to really do anything at the time but looking back I could feel that my parents were both quietly drowning. My dad never had the opportunity to get help and, in the end, he lost his battle with his addiction. If my mom and I could do it all over, we would have shouted it out to whomever would have listened that we needed help.

The fact is, that 75% of alcoholics and addicts hold jobs. They have families, make waffles, laugh, love, serve community and keep their commitments.  It’s not until the end stages that they lose it all; which are the images that we see of what an “addict ” is.  This is not an accurate picture.  Substance use starts for most people in their youth and for people that have this disease - it is a tough road back. 

It’s also a fact that 90% of alcoholics and addicts do not receive the help that could save their lives because they either don’t know they need help, don’t know it’s available or can’t afford it.

Each year, in my dad’s name, I send a donation to Fresh Start to help another man get the help he needs, so his children can have a better life.  Fresh Start is nationally recognized for their addiction treatment program and I am grateful that I hear about the many fathers, grandfathers, brothers and sons who do get better ... and the families who get better and stronger as a result.

Your gift to Fresh Start Recovery Centre of up to $50 US through the Global Giving Little by Little challenge will earn an extra 50% in matching funds starting right NOW and lasting until 10PM MDT on Friday, August 16th, while matching funds last! 

To donate simply click on the Purple Heart below

Addiction is an illness that is progressive and often fatal if left untreated. The good news is that with the treatment, support and a program of recovery that your help provides, people can and do live healthy, happy and productive lives. Thank you for partnering with us to make a difference. Together we are impacting and restoring lives.

Thank you!