Hundreds of young, troubled kids have been given a chance to put themselves on the straight and narrow thanks to the efforts of the staff at the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC). To date, AARC has helped hundreds of teens and kids from around the world deal with their addictions. More than 500 people have graduated from the AARC program, including three teens who were admitted last year because of serious problems with drugs and alcohol. Mason Schonfeld and Michaela Russo say their addictions had been untreated for years and AARC offered a chance to overcome their demons. On Thursday night, the trio will celebrate their accomplishments at AARC’s annual fundraising gala. “Words can’t describe how happy I am today,” says Schonfeld. “It’s just been a complete 180 degree change, I can’t believe it.” “I got a job!” says Russo. “I got an amazing relationship with my family with my friends and with people here at AARC.” The gala is AARC’s biggest fundraiser of the year and all proceeds for to the centre. The 2012 event raised more than $1.3 million. With files from Kathy Le
