Kelowna councillor hopes music can be part of the solution to addiction | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kelowna councillor hopes music can be part of the solution to addiction

Image Credit: PEXELS

KELOWNA - While critics attack the placement of “wet” supportive housing facilities, Kelowna Coun. Ryan Donn says he is trying to find practical solutions to drug addiction.

“We’ve got to use our political will for more than just talking, policy and notes,” Donn told iNFOnews.ca.

He’s taken inspiration from fellow councillor Maxine DeHart who, for 20 years, hosted her annual drive-thru breakfast to raise money for the United Way.

In Donn’s case, he’s organizing a concert to raise money for youth treatment beds at The Bridge Youth and Family Services at Kelowna Community Theatre in October. While he’s appreciative of B.C. Housing for putting up supportive housing for the homeless, that’s sparked tremendous pushback from the community and has not helped improve treatment options.

"When I see something I can’t fix, I want to bring attention to it and want to be part of the solution for my personal life. My wife said, yes, we’re willing to promote the event. That’s a big step for my family. We’re putting like $10,000 out to try to make $10,000 for a charity campaign because we need solutions. We need something beyond what council has the power for. We need to drive conversations, which The Bridge is doing.”

The society spoke to a provincial finance committee in June and outlined ways it could add treatment beds as soon as it is given more funding.

Donn has also been frustrated by the heated debate on social media that is not offering overall solutions.

“It’s a tribute show so I can have a chance to talk to people at a fun event and raise money for a solution versus seeing them at a public hearing only.” Donn said.

The concert is Oct. 25 with tribute bands for ABBA and Fleetwood Mac.

He needs to sell 400 tickets to break even. Any more than that goes to The Bridge.


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