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Tired of the devastation drug abuse has wrought in their community, Florida residents braved the ice cold weekend to march along Goldman Street.
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The march was organised by Rainbow FM 90.7 in conjunction with the Florida CPF, Florida Police and various other organisations. The purpose of the march was to demonstrate that the community is united against the scourge of substance abuse that is ravaging lives and families. The march commenced at Florida Primary School on Rose Street, and caught the attention of shop owners and customers in Goldman Street alike. Families looked on from their balconies while others hooted from their vehicles in support. The march stopped every few minutes as speeches filled with information about substance abuse were delivered. The marchers walked all the way to Rainbow FM, next to the Florida Police Station.
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Florida Police spokesperson, Captain Lydia Dikolomela, told the community to stand together and fight substance abuse. “Almost every day, I have a mother and father in my office crying about what to do about their children who are addicted to drugs and how to help them. These are families being torn apart. We must do something before it is too late.”
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Val Poggenpoel, who was dressed in a thick jacket, echoed the police spokesperson’s sentiments about the impact drug abuse has had on the community. “I am sick and tired of the devil that is ruining our children’s lives.
They can stand for so much more and contribute even more positive things in our communities.”
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“I was an addict for years and I’ve had enough of it,” said Preston Magoo, one of the community members who attended the march and vowed to eradicate them from the streets completely. “They are destroying lives, and massive potential is lost to the world because of these substances that only harm the body,” he added.
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