"Dry Wit" - Mental Illness Awareness Week in Canada October 5th-11th (Victoria, BC)

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LifeRing Celebrates Recovery Through ‘Dry Wit’ – an Evening of Education and Entertainment in Victoria, BC

North America’s fastest growing self-help secular recovery group for those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction plans first-of-its-kind Victoria event.

Victoria, BC, September, 2008 – LifeRing Secular Recovery announced today that it will be presenting its first annual ‘Dry Wit’ production at the McPherson Playhouse, during Mental Illness Awareness week (October 5 – 11, 2008). Taking place on the evening of Friday October 10, the event will bring together over 20 local addiction, mental health and community service providers, allowing the public, healthcare workers and volunteers to view the many resources available for drug and alcohol addiction and mental health recovery in Victoria. The event will move from the foyer to the stage as local magician Shayne King, stand-up comic Ray Parker, musician John Gogo, cabaret singer Nicky Deanne and other acts – all volunteered – will perform and the evening will be hosted by Erick Thompson of A-British Columbia.

Organizers are gifting 50% of the tickets to those presently in recovery and who are unable to afford a ticket. Organizations with kiosks at the event include, amongst others, the BC Association of Clinical Counselors, the RAK Foundation, Umbrella, Victoria Native Friendship Centre and Sooke Family Services Association.

“This event is the first of its kind in Victoria,” said Michael Walsh, who founded the Victoria chapter of LifeRing in December 2007. “LifeRing is a secular recovery option for those who struggle with alcohol and drug addiction. But in addition to what LifeRing offers, there are so many other support organizations here in Victoria, and I am very pleased that we are coming together under one roof.”

The event will attract people currently in recovery, contemplating recovery, or seeking information on behalf of a friend or loved one. LifeRing’s motto is ‘Empower Your Sober Self’, and encourages its members to build personal recovery plans based on their beliefs and to take control of their recovery, on their terms, but with the support of their peers in the program, and in an open-dialogue forum. Dry Wit will bring a multitude of options for people in Victoria to build their own plans.

Tickets are available at the McPherson box office or on-line at The Royal and McPherson Theatres Society.

About LifeRing Secular Recovery
Founded in Oakland California, LifeRing is a non-profit, secular self-help group for those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. LifeRing works through the power of positive social reinforcement and by encouraging members to feel empowered by their recovery and sobriety. LifeRing Home Page

Michael Walsh
Founder (Victoria) LifeRing
lifering@shaw.ca