AFTER eight years and $2 million in renovations, the Sunrise Way rehabilitation centre is ready to open.

Almost.

President Doug Harland is keen to open the centre, which will help people battling with substance addiction back into the community.

But he said funding was needed to get things off the ground.

“The Salvation Army is already on board to run the facility, although running it will cost more than $1 million a year,” Mr Harland said.

“The Toowoomba community has been very generous, donating their time and money towards the refurbishment.

“Everything is ready to go, we just need to raise enough money to run the centre.”

When operating, the Sunrise Way centre will be home to 26 residents, 16 male and 10 female.

Staff and nurses will help those residents through the difficult process of getting rid of harmful substances and starting their lives afresh.

“There are more than 20,000 needle exchanges a month in Toowoomba,” Mr Harland said.

“There really isn’t much in Toowoomba for people getting over severe addictions so the Sunrise Way facility is needed here.”

If you’d like to help out, ring Doug on 0418 987 662 or vice-president Rob Ketton on 0432 621 218.