http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/338360
Renascent is one of the most successful alcoholism treatment centres in Canada with a 71 percent success rate 24 months post-treatment.
Hosted by actress Ali Liebert of the TV series The Bomb Girls the event raised funds the Renascent's programs.
The largest residential addiction treatment centre in Ontario, Renascent not only treats the recovering addict but the entire family. With counseling for all family members those who suffer from the damage that addiction brings can begin the healing process together. The cost of the program is not covered by provincial health plans. At least $1,200 is raised per person admitted to Primary Care. It is through the donations of Guardian Angels that patients can be treated.
Christine McNicol, Child and Youth Counsellor, spoke of the need of treating the whole family. McNicol knows the pain of growing up with an alcoholic parent. She later became an addict herself. Now in recovery for eight years McNicol will become the mother of twins in early 2013, something she never thought was possible.
"Children come to the 4-day intensive care program angry. At the end of the program they know that it's the disease of addiction that they hate, not the parent that suffers from it," McNicol told the audience, "We are breaking the cycle of addiction. I see it happening!"
During the pre-show reception Liebert confided that she knows the pain of addiction. A person close to her suffers with the issue. "I'm a recent supported of the program," said the Vancouver actress, "And I am so glad to be part of tonight's event."
2008 Canadian Idol finalist Oliver Pigott entertained the audience with several of his songs including Walk You To The Water, the title of the night's event. Dr. Patrick Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Renascent joined Pigott on stage entertaining the audience with a special song for Smith's birthday.
Smith and Rena Scheffer worked endlessly to make tonight's event perfect. Sadly on November 5 Sheffer, Senior Director of Development, was killed in a car accident. She was remembered during a moving tribute for her work with the centre. She was honoured for her spirit of life and her love of her family by Dr. Smith and a moving photo tribute.
After a fundraising opportunity the legendary Gordon Lightfoot was introduced by the equally legendary Dave Broadfoot. Broadfoot, a recipient of the Governor General's Performing Arts Award, is known for his comedic wit. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Farce for twenty years. Tuesday, a day before his 87th birthday, he left retirement for one night in order to introduce his friend and fellow Order of Canada member Gordon Lightfoot.
Lightfoot is an iconic singer. He has won 17 Juno Awards and was nominated 5 times for the Grammys. His latest performance was in November at the 100th Grey Cup. He has been a strong supporter of Renascent for years.
Lightfoot's voice is still strong, if not a bit shaky from age. He commanded the stage performing his classic tunes including his hit "If You Could Read My Mind."