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Aubrey's Run Across BC starts May 21st at Rotary Lakeside Park

The Nelson Daily Staff
By The Nelson Daily Staff
May 10th, 2023

On Sunday, May 21st at Rotary Lakeside Park in Nelson, the mother of Aubrey Emmett Pryor Michalofsky is starting Aubrey’s Run Across BC with the hope of raising awareness to put an end to toxic drug deaths.

“In May and June 2023, I will be running across BC in memory of my only son Aubrey, who died in August 2022 from drug poisoning,” said mother Jessica.

“I start my cross-province run in the West Kootenays, which holds a special place in my heart. Aubrey was born and raised in Nelson, lived as an adult in the Slocan Valley, and attended school at Selkirk College in Castlegar, where he graduated with a diploma in Law and Justice in 2021.”

Aubrey Emmett Pryor Michalofsky died August 30, 2022 from a drug overdose.

The Nelson launch begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 10:30 a.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Jessica began this cause in the fall of 2022 when she ran over 900 kilometers around the Ministry of Health in Victoria to protest the government’s inaction in stopping illicit drug deaths.

“I pleaded with government to provide resources to families and to regulate illicit drugs,” she explained.

“However, BC continues to lose 6.4 loved ones per day and there is no end in sight to this crisis. Death by illicit drugs is the leading cause of death in British Columbians ages 10-59 (BC Centre for Disease Control).”

“This crisis affects all British Columbians, but those living in rural locations face even worse outcomes because of lack of access to medical services and resources,” Jessica added.

Aubrey’s Run across BC will begin in Nelson and travel to Victoria BC, via the Okanagan with stops to hold rallies in small and large communities, connecting British Columbians to life-saving information and resources.

“Our message is that toxic drug death is preventable,” Jessica said.

“Our rallies will raise awareness about the danger of toxic drugs and unite voices in demanding a safe supply for those who struggle.”

The route includes the following communities: Nelson, Winlaw, Castlegar, Grand Forks, Osoyoos, Oliver, Penticton, Kelowna, Keremeos, Princeton, Hope, Coquitlam, Downtown East Side (DTES), Nanaimo, Duncan and Victoria.

“If you’re frustrated, heartbroken, or just want to know more about this issue facing so many people, we invite you to run, walk, volunteer, or attend a rally with us,” Jessica said.

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