Westover Treatment Centre in Thamesville (Photo courtesy of the Westover Treatment Centre)
Chatham

Westover Treatment Centre running 50/50 fundraiser

An addiction treatment centre in Thamesville is looking to fill the funding gap.

The Westover Treatment Centre is currently running an online 50/50 draw.

"We're funded through the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, but not to the full extent of what it costs to run the centre," said Laid Brush, Executive Director of Westover. "We run deficits every year, and we can't report those deficits, so we have to rely on fundraising to balance the books."

This is their second 50/50 draw as they struggle to fill the funding gap.

"People are reluctant to donate to addictions. There's still that stigma attached to the disease, " said Brush. "So we recently decided that we were going to try an online 50/50. People are more likely to donate if there might be a return on their investment."

Westover helps people with chemical addictions and has been around for almost 40 years.

"It's a three-week residential program where people come to stay with us. It's not about getting sober, it's about learning how to live sober, and learning different coping strategies, and defence mechanisms so that we can get through life without having to medicate," said Brush.

Brush added that, at last check, the 50/50 total was over $3,600, but Brush is hoping it will grow.

"The gap in our funding is about 30 percent, so every little bit helps to keep the doors open," added Brush.

To purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

Tickets are on sale until Sunday, December 29, and the draw will take place on the 31st.

For more information about the Westover Treatment Centre, visit www.westovertreatmentcentre.ca.

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