How RAK Works

The RAK Foundation assists people who have a sincere desire to break out of the cycle of addiction but have run up against financial barriers that prevent them from getting the treatment they need or cause situations where their newfound recovery is jeopardized.

In our community there are Addictions Counsellors who work with individuals attempting to recover from substance abuse problems. We believe the Counsellors are best qualified to provide assessment of each person and guide their client through a course of treatment. These Counsellors are aware of all of the various sources of funds and support that can drawn on, from public sector programs (e.g. provincial Income Assistance, Vancouver Island Health Authority Programs, etc.), from community-based charitable organizations (such as the Salvation Army, etc), and other private charitable programs.

Occasionally, however, a person in recovery will require assistance that is not covered by any available funding source. That person may relapse if help is not found, often with profound impact on the individual and their family, friends or co-workers.

Those Counsellors who have been approved by the RAK Foundation can potentially get help for these individuals by applying for financial assistance. An application is electronically submitted detailing a brief summary of the patient and their needs.

Concurrently the Counsellor will have the applicant sign a RAK standard form that does two things: the person gives consent for the Counsellor to disclose his/her personal information on the application form and the applicant commits to help someone else in their recovery in future.

At the RAK Foundation, the application is processed by the Applications Receiver, where any personal information is removed, and an applicant number is assigned before the request is sent to the Board of Directors. Each Director votes to approve or not, and in some cases may request further details from the Counsellor. Once a majority vote is determined, the Application Receiver then notifies the Counsellor of the decision, and if approved, the Treasurer takes care of distributing cheques, or delivering bus passes, food vouchers, etc.

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Testimonials

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  I wanted to let you know the impact of your generosity, and how grateful I am. My parents died when I was in my 20's and as my marriage failed I became the sole emotional and financial caretaker of my two children. Although I have always managed to work, and recently I received my B.A. form UVic in Child and Youth Care, I have done so under the strain of my addictions.

  Financially, it has been very difficult to continue to provide for my family. I am now taking the necessary steps to finally address my problems. Your generosity has made it possible for me to take some time off work to do so. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone who has made this a reality for me.