NPO tackles drug problem in Van Dyk Park
The community was urged to help prevent drug use by young children.
As part of the effective action to combat the scourge of drugs, local NPO Passion in Action (PIA) mounted a drug awareness campaign on August 6.
The event was held at Van Dyk Park’s Choppies Shopping Centre in collaboration with the EMPD K9 Unit, Victory Outreach Home East Rand and the Central Bikers Church.
One of the PIA’s founders, Jenny Blomerus, said she has been working for the rehab for so long that she has seen a lot of young people fall into drugs.
“Residents of Van Dyk Park are affected by drugs, especially the young people. Therefore, the campaign was held to help prevent the use of drugs by children as young as 11 or 12.
“We educated the public about the dangers of drugs, provided counselling and linked them to rehab facilities,” said Blomerus.
She pointed out that they want the community of Van Dyk to know that it is better to decline taking drugs, and those who are currently using them to know there’s help available.
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“Stopping drug abuse is a subject close to my heart. The pain drugs are causing in homes is beyond repair, unless we stand together to bring hope.
“It was our first initiative of this kind in Van Dyk Park and yielded good results. It was a memorable moment and I’d like to thank everyone who supported this initiative.”
According to the EMPD K9 unit representative, Attie Fourie, drugs are dangerous and can affect a person’s health immensely.
“While using drugs, a person may come to lose their relationship with their family. It is simple to develop a drug addiction, and once you do, you lose yourself,” said Fourie.
According to EMPD spokesperson Kelebogile Thepa, dagga, nyaope, cat and crystal meth are the most commonly used drugs in and around Van Dyk.
What is Passion In Action
The NPO was founded seven years ago and is based in Van Dyk Park.
The organisation began running street outreach programmes and grew to expand its services, which now include providing the community with food, education and entertainment.
For more information, contact Jenny on 081 575 5850.
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