"I met Gillian Maxwell in 2005. She was a godsend. At the time I was going through a very hard time in my life. My husband had just died and I was trying to get my life back on track. As a member of VANDU we were invited to join in meetings of Keeping the Door Open which Gillian was chair of. I started going as liaison for VANDU. Over the next year Gillian took an interest in me and showed me what I was capable of. She asked me to speak at an event at the Wosk Centre. I had never done anything like that before and it was scary. But with her support and guidance I became a star.
In the years to come she took me to my first conference in Toronto where I gave a presentation and was asked to light a candle at the international candlelight vigil. There have been many more special events in my life thanks to her support and caring. If I had to pick one person who has shaped my life into what it is today I would have to say Gillian Maxwell. She has the heart of an angel and the spirit of a warrior."
Dianne Tobin
Executive Secretary, Vancouver Area of Drug Users (VANDU)
