Most of the time, recovery and addiction are often approached rightfully with despair and heartbreak, but Mike Manahas, the organizer of Soberfest, wants to change the conversation.
"You don't have to struggle alone," he said.
Manahas started Soberfest two years ago after his own battle with addictions. He acknowledges that he was very lucky a friend of his had been in contact with a recovery centre and helped Manahas go to his mother's place until he could get into a recovery bed — something he managed two days later.
"It would have been 24 hours, but I had slept in."
Soberfest is now in its third year, taking place at Langford Starlight Stadium on August 3, where, according to Manahas, 1,400 tickets have been sold, an 40 per cent increase from the year before.
"We had about 500 people at the first one. We struggled to find people to give us space."
After that first concert, Manahas raised over $250,000 for recovery, with the profit going into six treatment beds. Since the launch, Soberfest has raised over one million dollars and has helped 47 people into recovery. So far this year, they have raised enough money to fund nine beds.
"They cost about $30,000 to $50,000," he said.
Since being sober, recovery has become his passion and he said that when it comes to dealing with people dealing with substance abuse issues, empathy is an essential tool.
"Quite often, recovery is done in secret. We want it to be out loud."
According to Manahas, one of the most tragic parts of recovery is that it is often done alone, so he wanted to create a fun, safe space where the community can come together.
"We are not going to leave you there on your own."
The festival added a new kids' play area alongside three large headline acts, including Merkules, Swollen Members and Daniel Wesley. Doors will open at 12 p.m. and finish at 7 p.m.
No drugs or alcohol will be permitted, and a water filling station will be available on-site, but participants are asked to empty their bottles beforehand.
Tickets are available on Soberfest.ca/tickets.
