Family Run for Prevention set for next Saturday | News, Sports, Jobs

Runners and walkers can tie their shoelaces for a 5K to benefit drug prevention across the county.

The Busey Bank-sponsored Family Run for Prevention will be held January 29 at Jaycee Park in Cape Coral, starting at 8 a.m. SWFL and its programs.

“What we like about this event is the nice shady place and nice cool morning. You can almost choose your own adventure.” said Coalition Executive Director Deborah Comella. “You can walk, run, bring your dog and do as much of the route as you like.”

Jaycee Park will have vendors providing prevention and business information, along with a DJ, photo booth and more. Each year, the 5K helps provide program funding for initiatives such as Drug House Odyssey, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Red Ribbon Awards, Operation Medicine Cabinet and more.

“We need the community to help us build resilience in our children,” Comella said. “We need parents to talk to their children. We need extracurricular programs that include prevention. If we can build resilient children – and it’s not just substance abuse – as they grow older, they will be able to make independent choices. We are working with all of our community partners to achieve this goal.”

This year, the coalition is partnering with organizations like the Florida Thoroughbreds Track Club. Comella said they are working on a public service announcement on anti-bullying.

“They’re going to do something similar to the ‘running away from vaping’ that the Olympic Track Club put together.” Comella said. “It’s great to hear what our children have to say on this subject.”

WhiteSands Alcohol & Drug Rehab in Fort Myers is hosting a webinar on what parents need to know about the internet.

“This is going to be an Internet 101 course for parents” Comella said. “We don’t know what reach our kids have online.”

The 5K is a chipped and timed competition suitable for all ages and abilities. The first 300 to register ($25) will receive a t-shirt.

For more information about the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free SWFL, its programs, and how to register for the 5K, visit www.drugfreeswfl.org.

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