A Facebook group known as Northumberland Residents opposing Drugs held a protest by the Cobourg Farmer’s Market on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
Jeff McLean started the group several months ago that has approximately 300 followers.
McLean said he was walking through the Farmer’s Market on Saturday with his wife when he spotted a tent being operated by Moms Stop The Harm. Moms Stop the Harm is a organization that advocates for the change of failed drug policies.
“(They) felt it was a good place to set up a tent so we felt it was good to fly our flag,” said McLean.
The flag which states, “NroD – Stop Normalizing Drug Abuse.”
McLean said there was no planning for Saturday’s protest, but when he saw the Moms Stop The Harm booth, he made a post about debuting the flag and six members of the group joined him.
“To stop the normalization is the key to it all,” is the mandate of the group.
More treatment facilities, enforcement and prevention are what is needed – not normalization.
“Drug abuse is wrong and it will kill you. It torments families everywhere. And we’re here to try and spread the word and make a change.”
After the Farmer’s Market, McLean said the protest was very well received by everyone.”
“A lot of well wishes and pats on the shoulders.”
McLean said the group will likely start attending other events, “but we’ll have to see how it goes.”
“Sporadic is sometimes the best.”
Director, Missy Mclean from Moms Stop The Harm said the booth at the Farmers Market was there to promote International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, 2023 in front of Victoria Hall.
There will be a flag raising at 10:45 a.m. along with a memorial and awareness event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. At 8 p.m. there will be a candlelight vigil.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
