Former Powell River resident Richard McDonald is returning to Powell River to share excerpts of the book he has written about people who lived and died in provincial institutions.
McDonald was a resident of an institution himself and My Story tells about parts of his life that he wants to share. “If you know me, you know how I am and appreciate my sense of humour.” However, he is serious about making sure his story and the story of many others does not happen again.
“[People] thought the institution was a good place to stay and have friends, but it sure wasn’t that way.”
McDonald has had a long and successful advocating career. He is a founding member and past president of BC Self Advocacy Foundation and has served many terms on committees and boards, including Woodlands Memorial Garden Committee, We Survived Woodlands Committee, City of New Westminster Tower Task Force and BC Chapter of People First.
In 2012, McDonald had support to co-write and publish memoirs of his life story. Not one to slow down, he has most recently started to perform as a stand-up comedian at various comedy clubs in the Lower Mainland.
McDonald will read from his book and have copies for sale at Creative Rift, 4480 Marine Avenue, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm on Tuesday, October 28. Everyone is welcome to attend.
