PICS Society is organizing a Walk For Drugs and Gangs Free Surrey from the Surrey City Hall to Holland Park on May 18, 2019 from 9 am to 12 pm. PICS is leading this community initiative by following its vision to build a healthy and just society. The objective is to create awareness about the rise of gang violence and drug abuse in Surrey and the importance of providing programs, services and support systems to tackle this problem.
There is an urgent need to address this issue in our community: according to data released by the B.C. Coroners Service Today, 174 people died of drug overdose in Surrey last year (2017). That’s up from 122 in 2016, 76 in 2015, 44 in 2014 and 36 in 2013. Province-wide, 1,422 people died of overdose last year, which is 43 per cent higher than the 993 deaths in 2016.” Children as young as 10 and 11 years old are being lured into gang life. Gang members are on average 23 years old, committed their first crime at age 16 and were 13 the first time they were suspended from school (Peace Arch News, 2018).
The Walk For Drugs and Gangs Free Surrey is an excellent opportunity to bring together families, educators, and community partners. As part of the agenda for this year’s walk, we are focusing on highlighting the stories of the individuals and families affected by drug and gang violence. Information about programs and services will be displayed in the Holland Park. The event details are as follows:
Event Date & Time: Saturday – May 18, 2019, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Route: Surrey City Hall – Central Avenue – University Drive – Holland Park
Duration of Walk: 30 Minutes
