THUNDER BAY — A sea of purple made it’s way down Arthur Street on Saturday, marching towards city hall, to raise awareness around addiction and overdose deaths.
The DEK Addiction Recovery Foundation held this year’s annual walk in memory of Richard Gunn, who died of from a toxic drug overdose in June of this year.
“He would be very proud of what’s happening here,” said Debbie Beaven, Richard’s mother. “This is his recovery community. He would be amazed at the support and I am amazed at the support.”
Beaven said the walk was new to her but going forward she will be fighting hard.
The support and feeling of camaraderie were strong on Saturday and Beaven said, “everyone felt Richie’s loss.”
DEK Foundation founder, Carolyn Karle, said they were there to talk about the opioid crisis Ontario, and Thunder Bay, are facing.
“We’re in bad shape,” she said. “So we keep walking for the families so we don’t forget these beautiful people that we’ve lost to this toxic drug poisoning.”
Karle’s daughter, Dayna, also died of an overdose.
“It’s too late for our kids but we’re going to do whatever we can in the community to keep others alive,” said Karle.
Gunn was an advocate for the recovery community and he deserved to be remembered for the great human he was, added Karle.
“It’s an illness that’s very misunderstood,” she said. “This does not define them.”
“We’ll keep fighting until people feel like they matter and that this is an important cause,” said Karle.
Beaven said she hopes everyone who participated in the walk felt warmth in their heart “walking with Richie and Dayna.”
“I’m so thankful,” she said.
