Posted on: August 24, 2022
August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day.
On this day, like every other, we remember our loved ones lost to toxic drugs.
On this day, like every other, we tackle the stigma associated with substance use.
On this day, like every other, we come together in solidarity to demand actions for those who no longer have a voice.
This year for International Overdose Awareness Day, we invite you to join in remembrance of those lost and been injured because of an unregulated toxic drug supply. Find an event near you…
Victoria
Sunday, August 21
- Meet at 10:00 am
- Centennial Square
- Purple Ribbon Campaign. Volunteers needed to tie ribbons in Downtown Victoria
Saturday, August 27
- 11 am – 4 pm
- Broadmead Shopping Centre
- Pop up booths with education, awareness & Naloxone training
Wednesday, August 31
- Meet at 11:00 am
- Centennial Square
- Let's Get Loud Rally. March to the Ministry of Health Building. Bring signage, pots and pans.
Wednesday, August 31
- 7:30 pm (near dusk)
- Victoria Parliament Buildings
- Hosted by Moms Stop The Harm. Vigil of Remembrance. Featuring words and music of remembrance. Jill Cooper will provide a mini concert. Bring your photos!
Sooke
Wednesday, August 31
- 6:00 pm – 9:30pm
- Ed MacGregor Park
- Hosted by Moms Stop the Harm. Community gathering & memorial that invites everyone to bring photos and stories of loved ones.
Cowichan
Wednesday, August 31
- 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Charles Hoey Park (Train Station)
Nanaimo
Wednesday, August 31
- 1 pm – 4 pm
- Maffeo Sutton Park, 100 Comox Road
- Hosted by the Nanaimo Community Action Team. Spoken word, music, Naloxone training, activities and stories in memory of those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to overdose. Contact: https://www.facebook.com/groups/catnanaimo/
Wednesday, August 31
- 10 am – 6 pm
- 324 Terminal Ave
- Free hourly Naloxone training, information, guest speakers and more Contact: https://fb.me/e/24aQ4GFZh
Port Alberni CAT
Wednesday, August 31
- 7 pm – 9 pm
- Trinity Anglican + Lutheran Church (4766 Angus St)
- Townhall hosted by Port Alberni CAT on positive solutions for the toxic drug crisis. Speakers include Evan Jolicoeur (MC), Mayor Sharie Minions, MP Gord Johns, MLA Josie Osborne, and peer Joshua Darling. Launch of FNHA's “Humans First – Hear Their Voices" video and distribution of harm reduction supplies.
Wednesday, August 31
- 12 – 2 pm
- Lower 4th Avenue
- Bread of Life – Bridging the Gap will be feeding everyone that lives in the area pizza, beverage and desert.
Comox Valley
Wednesday, August 31
- 12 pm – 4 pm
- Simms Park
- Hosted by the CV CAT team, Unbroken Chain, Indigenous Women's Sharing Society and AVI Health and Community Services. Speakers, performances, harm reduction and a memorial for loved ones lost.
Campbell River
Wednesday, August 31
- 11 am – 2 pm
- Spirit Square
- Hosted by the Campbell River CAT group. Includes education stations, Naloxone training, and resource booths.
Virtual
- Find out more on the International Overdose Awareness Day website
- Get involved, including posting a tribute to someone