Letter: Crossroads, Ballet Kelowna–where will we spend our money?
To the editor:
I have been meaning to write for weeks regarding my disbelief on the news of Crossroads closing in Kelowna.
During these weeks, I have seen some outcry written in your paper but a very minimal amount on a service that is so needed in the Interior of B.C.
Such a needed service.
But when I saw the front of the newspaper today stating the mayor feels the folding of Ballet Kelowna as a “tragedy” and continuing to read this ariticle, I had to find the time to write.
Drug, alcohol addiction—yes, it’s a horrible thing. None of us may really know the reasons behind “the why” people of all ages have to get themselves to such a low—though maybe not to the lowest of low because they have been able to seek help before they are on the streets of K-town and then finding themselves staggering in the alleys of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
I never imagined my beautiful, outgoing daughter who was so afraid of getting her blood taken and who would hide her eyes watching a show of a baby or anyone getting a needle on TV, would herself be putting a needle filled with heroin in her own arm. It’s like being told your kid is dead.
The road beyond this is one no parent ever wants to endure and I pray will never have to go through again.
The days, weeks and months of searching for any kind of help was another nightmare. Interior Health is backlogged for weeks, months—getting a bed with the help of medical assistance at Crossroads was a minimum of six to eight weeks. Detox was like 10 days with having her call in every day. Yes, we could get a bed for her in two days at detox but it was a five grand bill.
Kamloops is the only other detox and it had a wait, but it also had a maximum of seven days—beyond that you’re on your own.
Crossroads was the only place for follow-up but again the addict could have a three to six week waiting period from detox.
Kids, young adults, adults cannot afford that wait.
Next choice Vancouver or, of course, any (rehab that would cost) thousands of dollars.
Mayor Gray stated he had nothing but praise for the “business-like” board for attempting to pay off debts before closing, unlike other organizations that have shut down in the past.
Are you serious?
We are talking about lives that will be forever changed and helped due to the support of this addiction centre. It’s not just the individual that benefits—it is family, extended family, children and friends of those addicted.
How can you compare this to the 420 people that bought tickets to see some ballet?
Come on Kelowna, this is 400 jobs lost in the community, hearts and bodies that will be repaired, betterment to our city and the world.
Please, let’s get our priorities straight. Spend some much needed money in our community, in our loved ones, in our Canada where it’s really needed.
V. McEachern,
Kelowna
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.