The Eden Park community came together for an anti-drug awareness march, taking a stand against drug addiction and calling for a safer, more supportive future for children and families.

The march aimed to raise awareness about the impact of drug addiction on the wider community while encouraging unity and action in addressing the problem.

Keslie-Ann Wessels, from Eden Park-based organisation Proudly Rooted, said the initiative was about more than raising awareness.

“Our purpose was to stand together, break the stigma surrounding addiction, encourage those who are struggling to seek help, and remind our community that change begins when we stop ignoring the problem and start taking action,” she said.

Message of unity

The march also highlighted the importance of creating an environment where children felt safe, families received support and people struggling with addiction were reminded that they still mattered.

“I hope that we can build a community where our children feel safe, our families feel supported, and those struggling with addiction know that they still matter,” she said.

The message of unity was reflected in the march’s call for the community to stand together, with placards carrying messages such as ‘Our youth deserve better’, ‘One community, one voice, one stand’ and ‘Walk for our children, walk for our future’.

Wessels described the initiative as a step towards positive change and renewed hope for the next generation.