Road to Recovery Haldimand launching RedPath program

By Mike Renzella

The Haldimand Press

DUNNVILLE—A new addiction treatment program spearheaded by concerned local citizens is coming to Haldimand.

Road to Recovery Haldimand (RRH) is the brainchild of Dunnville residents Gina McIntee and Randy Arrowsmith. Through discussion, they came to believe that additional resources were needed for victims of addiction locally. There are currently some options available in the region, such as publicly funded recovery homes in Simcoe and Port Colborne, but McIntee and Arrowsmith saw many barriers to entry, including lack of transportation.

“Road to Recovery Haldimand is a team of community volunteers who are concerned by the catastrophic effect of substance abuse and addiction in this community,” explains group representative Sue Wilkins. “Some members of the RRH team have lived-experience with addiction, while other members have family or friends struggling with addiction or are in recovery. And, sadly, some of us have seen how addictions can be fatal.”

In June, volunteers began meeting weekly to discuss options and plan a fundraiser. The Road to Recovery Haldimand name was chosen, and a motto was issued: We Are All Part of The Solution. Arrowsmith suggested a golf tournament and auction.