PORTAGE BRITISH COLUMBIA EVENTS

First Recognition Ceremony at Keremeos, BC

On May 2nd, 2010 Portage BC will hold its first Recognition Ceremony to celebrate the hard work, courage, and determination of graduating residents from the Portage Keremeos centre. It will also mark the accomplishments of BC residents who have previously completed their Portage drug addiction rehabilitation programs in the Portage Québec or Portage Atlantic centres and have reached their one year positive lifestyle anniversary. Among family, friends, staff, Portage BC Board Members, and other invited guests, the Portage Keremeos community will pay tribute to these young people and to all those who have played a part in making this first year at Portage Keremeos a success.

Artwork done by a Portage Keremeos resident 
Interpretation of "Addiction" and "Sobriety"

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 2009

The Portage at Keremeos Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on January 22, 2009 on site to announce the opening of the first long term residential treatment centre in British Columbia.

Seventeen months after publicly announcing the project, the Portage at Keremeos team celebrated the completion of the Ashnola Lodge with the Province of British Columbia, the mayor of Keremeos and the media.

Guests in attendance included: George Abbott, Minister of Health Services, Rick Thorpe, MLA, Okanagan-Westside, Ida Goodreau, Vancouver Costal Health President and CEO, Peter Spencer, Central City Foundation, Susie and Rob Ruttan, From Grief to Action and Peter Vamos, Executive Director of Portage.

This centre is the result of collaboration between program operator Portage Program for Drug Dependencies, as well as the Ministry of Health Services, Fraser Health, Interior Health, Vancouver Costal Health and the community organizations Central City Foundation and From Grief to Action.

Portage at Keremeos, a 58-acre property, is now ready for full occupancy and will provide treatment for up to 42 youth, aged 14-18. Residents will live on site for between six months to a year, depending on their needs. The youth attending have the ability to complete their high school education and receive vocational counselling.

If you would like to make a donation, or if you would like more information concerning the fundraising campaign, contact Colette Taylor, Director of Development, by email at fondation@portage.ca.