'We're not alone': Recovery Day held for 4th time in Edmonton

On Sunday morning, Sean McCann went for a run through Edmonton's river valley.

As he passed under a bridge the former Great Big Sea memberslowed down and took note of his surroundings. He stopped when his eyes fell upon needles strewn across the ground.

It was in that moment McCann realized why it was important for him to bein Edmonton speaking to people in recovery.

I learned the hard way that we're not alone, and that's what helped me get through.- SanMcCann

"I'm one of these guys," he said.

"I'm in recovery, one of the things I've learned about it is the sense of isolation that many alcoholics and drug addicts feel.

"I learned the hard way that we're not alone, and that's what helped me get through."

Not alone

The Newfoundland-based singer had flown into Edmonton to be a keynote speaker in the city'sfourth annual Recovery Day.

Held on Sunday atGiovanni Caboto Park in Edmonton's Little Italy, the free event featureda litany of presenters including medical experts, and speeches from politicians. Numerous12-step programs and recovery centres were there offering their services andinformation to anyone that wanted it.

Phillippe Lafon, an addiction counsellor, helped organize the event. Lafon, who has been in recovery himself for the last nine years, said the day is important becauseit gets important information out to addicts.

A lot of people have all the intentions of getting better but they don't know where to go, they don't know where to ask.- PhillippeLafon

"The main reason for Recovery Day is to give the resources," he said. "A lot of people have all the intentions of getting better but they don't know where to go, they don't know where to ask. A lot of it is pride so it's a lot easier to hide your pain through using substances.

"Once people realize the resources we have in Edmonton, it's extraordinary, when a person finally does make the move, they're so supportingregardless of what agency theygo to."

This is more meaningful now than anything I've ever accomplished in the past. If I can just change one life, then I've done my job.- San McCann

"This is my work now, this is what I want to do, this is more meaningful now than anything I've ever accomplished in the past. If I can just change one life, then I've done my job," he said afterwards.

"I think it's important that people in recovery get together and talk and realize that they're not alone. It's that simple lesson that can get us through the hardest of days."