The recent passing of a loved one has inspired one family to carry out an unseen dream of providing books to recovery centres.

Sawyer McClinton loved reading and knew what it was like to be in an addiction recovery centre without much selection in the library.

His sister-in-law Pam Oler remembers him mentioning an idea.

"When he came out, he said that one of his dreams or his wishes would be to donate books to different addiction recovery centres so that the people there would be able to have something more to read."

After Sawyer took his own life earlier this year, Oler founded the first annual Sawyer McClinton Book Drive in honour of that dream.

"This is just something to us that we feel passionate about because it's just another way that his love is reaching people even when he's not here physically with us."

They plan to have received all the donations before July 13, which would have been his birthday.

That should give them enough time to sanitize and stamp each book, saying it was donated on Sawyer's behalf.

The "In Memory of Sawyer" Facebook page is the best way to get in contact for drop-off locations in both Okotoks and Airdrie.

The books will be then donated to various recovery centres in Okotoks, Calgary, and Airdrie on July 15.

Sawyer grew up in Okotoks and still has family living in the area.

Before his passing, Sawyer was vocal about mental health issues through his social media, offering encouragement for others who were struggling. Seeing the outpouring of love since his passing, his family is reminded of just how special he was.

"Sawyer was such a light to so many people. When he passed he left a huge hole in our hearts and in our lives," said Oler.

 

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