PICS Society is organizing a Car Rally and Walk on June 26th, 2023 to bring awarenessto the rising incidents of gang violence and drug abuse throughout the lower mainland. The Car Rally and Walk is a part of our annual REACH (Realize – Educate – Accept – Communicate – Help) initiative to create awareness and share information about available resources for having Drug and Gang Free Communities. We are inviting you to join us at the event.
“There were 197 suspected unregulated drug deaths In March 2023… [which] represent a 9% increase from the number of deathsin March 2022 (181) and is a 11% increase over the number of deaths occurring in February 2023 (177). This is the highest number of deaths ever recorded in the month of March. The number of illicit drug toxicity deaths in March 2023 equates to about 6.4 deaths per day.” Ref: BC Government Statistics
Similarly, gang related shootings have seen an exponential rise in numbers as well as a dangerous trend of daytime shootings in public places, sometimes in the very presence of police authorities. As per Global News, in April, 2023; “We can also see that there had been an increase of gang violence that is affecting the friends and family of individuals involved in gangs.” We have also observed that youth (defined as ages 12 to 25 years) are at high risk of being involved in gangs and using guns in violent crime.
The Car Rally will start at PICS’s Head Office (reach by 8.45 am) and move throughout Surrey and end at the Surrey City Hall, there will be awalk from Surrey City HalltoHolland Park. At Holland Park,there will be booth set up by our community partners showcasing resources to prevent addiction and gang involvement. You can show your support for this initiative by driving along in the rally or joining us at Surrey City Hall. Once we have received your confirmation, we will coordinate with your office to finalize the arrangements of your participation. Media will be invited to cover the event.
Time of Event on June 26th:
Car Rally starting from PICS Head Office: 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Gathering at the Surrey City Hall: 11:00 am
Walk from Surrey City Hall to Holland Park: 11:00 am to 11:20am
Booths & Activities at Holland Park: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Please send us your confirmation of participation by calling Lily Dhadral at 604-596-7722 Ext. 331 or emailing her Lily.dhadral@pics.bc.ca.
