A candlelight vigil will be held at Steveston’s Garry Point Park on Aug. 31 to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day.
“The purpose of the event is to create awareness of the toxic drug crisis and to remember the victims,” said Debbie Tablotney, spokesperson for organizer Moms Stop the Harm.
International Overdose Awareness Day takes place on Aug. 31 and is a global effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths.
More than 1,200 people in B.C. have died from overdoses in the first six months of 2023.
Small purple flags will be placed on the field to represent all the lives lost during the current year.
Community members are invited to light a candle for loved ones lost to drug addiction and the toxic drug crisis, or in support of their loved ones’ recovery. They can also bring a picture of their loved ones to either hold or place in the field with the flags.
The event will run from 4 to 9 p.m. and the candlelight vigil will take place at dusk.
All flags, signs and pictures will remain at the park through Sunday, Sept. 3.
To learn more about other community events commemorating International Overdose Day, check out Moms Stop the Harm’s website.
