The Government of B.C. Legislature building will light up its entrance and its two waterfalls, one in front and one in the back, in purple on Saturday, Aug. 31, International Overdose Awareness Day, (IODA). Communities in and around Victoria are also set to mark the world’s largest annual campaign to end drug overdoses and remember those who died as a result.
One such community is Moms Stop the Harm, a network of Canadian families impacted by substance-use-related harms and deaths. They advocate for drug policies that work, strengthening of programs to help those who use or have used until they are ready to access or choose to enter a recovery facility.
"IOAD is an important day because it brings awareness in the real sense. Chances are you know someone whose loved one died of overdose," co-founder Leslie McBain said. "My son, Jordan, died of overdose at 25 years old, which is one of the reasons that motivated me to start the network."
McBain will be joining several speakers at Broad View United in a candlelight memorial that will display names of those who died of overdose.
Our Place Society, a local community center at 919 Pandora Ave., will honour lost loved ones with a memorial garden filled with purple flowers in its courtyard.
"Last year, we put up a massive banner outside the building which read, 'We Lost a Family Member Today', an idea that was brought up by our staff struggling with grief," said Grant McKenzie, the society's director of communication. "We will unveil the memorial garden following a moment of silence during the day's event in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day."
Island Health is also inviting people to visit their digital memory wall to share memories, special words, and photos to honour and remember people tragically taken by poisoned substances. The memory wall is available until September 20.
Meanwhile, the Mental Health Society of Greater Victoria has created a calendar on its website and designated Aug. 31 as a day to learn more about signs of overdose and ways to help someone experiencing it.
This year’s theme, Together We Can, drives home the message that nothing is impossible when communities stand together to end this growing toxic drug crisis.
International Overdose Awareness Day Events
VICTORIA
Broad View United - You're Not Alone. Together We Can.
Date: Aug. 31, 2024
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: 3703 St. Aidan's St.
Our Place Society - Together We Can Make a Difference Memorial and BBQ
Date: Aug. 31, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: 919 Pandora Ave., Victoria
NANAIMO
Date: Aug. 31, 2024
Time: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Diana Krall Plaza, 51 Gordon St.
SOOKE
Date: Aug. 31, 2024
Time: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Evergreen Mall Kiosk, Sooke Town Centre
