Surrey substance use conference features Guy Felicella<\/p>\n
Published 11:00 am Thursday, April 30, 2026<\/p>\n
Options Community Services is hosting its third annual \u2018Community in Connections Substance Use Conference\u2019 for community members, professionals, and advocates committed to addressing substance use and fostering meaningful connections in the field.<\/p>\n
The free event is taking place on Wednesday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel (15269 104 Ave.) and features keynote speaker Guy Felicella, a Surrey-based advocate and international speaker.<\/p>\n
Felicella was born and raised in B.C., but after experiencing trauma at an early age, he \u201cdeveloped a substance use disorder,\u201d reads a post on guyfelicella.com.<\/a><\/p>\n For the next three decades, he was, as he described, in a cycle of gang involvement, addiction, treatment and incarceration. He spent nearly 20 years on Vancouver\u2019s Downtown Eastside.<\/p>\n Today, he is in long-term recovery, with more than 13 years of sobriety, and has dedicated his life to \u201cadvocacy, education and systemic change.\u201d<\/p>\n The conference is a chance for \u201cservice providers, peers, and community members to come together to share practical knowledge and real-world experience,\u201d reads the event description.<\/p>\n