Melissa Ligertwood organized “Lost and Found- A Benefit for Addictions Awareness” at Charlie’s Tap House and Grill Saturday night. “No one talks about mental health issues or addiction,” Melissa said in regards to the reason behind the benefit. She wants to create awareness of the consequences of misusing drugs and alcohol and how addiction affects lives. She also used the benefit as a memorial service in honour of her friend who passed away in February and did not have a funeral. For many that attended, the benefit would bring closure to the passing of this individual.
Any profits raised are to be donated to the Edgewood Treatment Center and Foundation in Vancouver, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, and the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice in Kamloops. Her first time organizing such an event, Melissa was unsure whether the benefit would pull crowds or earn a profit. Her goal was to pay tribute to her friend, gain awareness about addiction, cover costs, and potentially raise some money for her cause via any profits.
Six bands played and advocated on behalf of Melissa’s cause. Careful With That Axe, Blister, A Case in Point, Kilmore Place, Say It In Colour, and Throttlecaster all donated their time. It was a noteworthy cause when musicians are arguably more exposed to the drug and alcohol scene than any. Josh Bolen and Erko Nomm of Throttlecaster proudly spoke of their drug-free lifestyles, while Clay Andrist of Case and Point said he isn’t easily influenced by others. “Kids in high school have more pressures than we do,” Clay explained, “We are capable of making our own choices.”
Dave Marlin shared opinions on the topic before the concert started. Had he not been already in charge of sound with the venue, he would have donated his time. Dave shares with many the impacts of addiction in his world. “Drugs manipulate,” Dave said. “Addicts have the ability to candy-coat their situation”. With experience Dave has found that when dealing with addicts, boundaries are most important.
Dave also feels that we may be curing symptoms of addiction but not the solution. Corrupt syndicates weaved into society are the cause for these substances getting out. “They melt our economy and crush our families,” said Dave. He also fears that the mentality of society is that if you make your bed you have to lie in it. Hopefully by contributing to Melissa’s benefit, we proved him wrong.
If you would like to make any donations on behalf of someone affected by addiction, you may contact Melissa at mligertwood@hotmail.com.
