Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It affects our friends, families, neighbours, and co-workers. Behind every statistic is a person—someone who wants to feel better, be healthier, and reconnect with themselves and others.

At Rideauwood, we meet people at their most vulnerable. Some come ready to stop using. Others want to use more safely. All of them want something to change—and they deserve support without judgment.

Step Up To Stigma

Stigmatizing language doesn’t just affect individuals—it impacts families, communities, and society as a whole. Words that shame or dehumanize individuals create an environment where people feel unworthy of help and support. This can lead to greater isolation, worsening health outcomes, and even death in cases of untreated problematic substance use.

Team Rideauwood is walking/running/rolling in the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend to raise awareness about stigmatizing language and raising funds so that when someone takes the brave step to reach out, there’s someone ready to answer.

Your donation helps provide accessible, evidence-based support for individuals and families facing substance use, addiction, and mental health challenges. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, gambling, gaming, or other compulsive behaviours—your support helps people take back control of their lives.

Let’s break down stigma, one step at a time.

Run with us. Walk with us. Donate, Cheer, or Share. However you choose to step up, you’re helping transform lives—and we’re so grateful to have you on this journey.