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Recovering addict is now working to increase awareness continued from p.21 A recovering Oxycontin addict, Chris Cull, recently returned to his hometown of Bowmanville, Ont., after a 7,500-kilometre cross-Canada bike tour last summer as part of a documentary he is filming about prescription drug abuse. The 29-year-old described being a "complete vegetable" for the better part of two years as he started to pop Oxycontin pills to cope with the suicide of his father, who had suffered from Huntington's disease. "I lost everything in my life that meant anything to me," he said, describing how he hit "rock bottom" and went on to successfully complete a harm-reduction program after trying to quit cold turkey on three occasions. The experience inspired Cull to document the stories of addicts, both current and recovering, and the people who are part of their lives. "What I found across the country was troubling to say the least -- this problem exists everywhere," he said. "It's not just the one addict that is really the problem, it's the multiple people that are affected by it ­ it's the families, the friends and the connections of that one person." Cull hopes his documentary, once released, will play a part in raising awareness around what he calls an "epidemic." "I'm thoroughly convinced if we can really work together and create a dialogue amongst everybody.... that we cannot only change our country, but change the world in the process," he said. 23 | Thursday, November 6, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Coats for Kids at Oakville Place The 12th annual Coats for Kids campaign has kicked off in Oakville. The event is put on by West 49 at Oakville Place, 240 Leighland Ave., and sees coats collected for charity. This year's donations will be given to Safetynet Children and Youth Charities. Since 2002, more than 88,000 children have received winter coats as a result of the program. Donations will be accepted at West 49 until Wednesday, Nov. 19 at collection barrels placed in the store. "Everyone who brings in a clean, insulated and gently-used winter coat to a West 49 store across Canada will receive $25 off any winter jacket (priced) $99 and up, including fashion jackets," stated a press release. For more information, visit www.west49. com, or Twitter and Instagram, by searching @west49. For your memories. For always. Mature gardens. Stately mausoleum. Tranquil cremation paths. Choose your special way to preserve precious memories in the timeless beauty of Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery. At a time of need or when planning ahead, call: 905-257-1100 Look for us on Facebook glenoaks.ca For more news, visit www.oakvillebeaver.com Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery by Arbor Memorial 3164 Ninth Line (403 & Dundas St.), Miss./Oakville, ON Arbor Memorial Inc. Family Owned. Proudly Canadian. Christmas Join us for a unique, one-of-a-kind Christmas Craft Show, featuring Crafters and Artisans from around the Golden Horseshoe. Saturday November 15th 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 485 Kerr Street, Oakville Presented by: CRAFT SHOW ADMISSION FREE MORE THAN 40 · Hand Crafted Jewellery · Custom Sweets · Fashion Vendors · Home Decor · Pottery · Hand Made Cards · Stocking Stuffers In support of: Featuring VENDORS · Tea Room · Lunch, Coffee · Scones & more www.kerrstreet.com 485 Kerr Street, Oakville, ON L6K 3C6