The OASI Foundation has celebrated 35 years of supporting people struggling with addiction and their families, marking the milestone on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.During a ceremony held at the foundation’s headquarters in Gozo, OASI reflected on more than three decades of providing prevention, therapy, rehabilitation, outreach and aftercare services to those in need. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)Since its establishment by founder Fr Manwel Cordina, the foundation has supported more than 6,000 people directly, while thousands more have benefited from its prevention and education programmes in schools, workplaces and communities.CEO Noel Xerri used the occasion to warn that the use of substances such as cocaine and cannabis continues to rise, with increasing numbers of people also using multiple drugs at once. He stressed the importance of prevention in protecting future generations and called for society to address addiction openly and responsibly.In a recorded message, President Myriam Spiteri Debono praised OASI’s work, describing the foundation as a place of hope, dignity and support for individuals and families affected by addiction. She also recognised OASI’s role in the campaign that led to the ban on the recreational use of nitrous oxide.The foundation also presented its annual Ġieħ l-OASI award to the Għajnsielem Local Council for its contribution towards the nitrous oxide ban, as well as to the Smartphone Free Childhood Gozo initiative for promoting healthier childhoods free from the pressures of social media.Celebrating its 35th anniversary, OASI reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its mission of offering hope, recovery and a second chance to those facing addiction.•