Anyone who has lost a loved one due to an overdose might want to mark an upcoming vigil on their calendar.
Monday, Aug. 31 is Overdose Awareness Day and the Chilliwack Overdose Prevention Society is hosting a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. in Salish Park.
“We welcome the community to come out and learn about harm reduction, our society and remember the ones we’ve lost,” said Sarah Streets, one of the two founders of the society.
Started earlier this summer, the Chilliwack Overdose Prevention Society is a new organization. It was founded by Streets and Melina Elektra.
Monday’s vigil is a free public event.
“We will have LED candles and purple ribbons for anyone who would like to remember someone who’s been affected by this overdose crisis,” Streets said.
Members with the Chilliwack Overdose Prevention Society have been getting ready for Overdose Awareness Day throughout the entire month of August.
Over the past few weeks, they’ve tied purple ribbons to trees throughout Chilliwack and put ribbons up on a fence in Salish Park for those who’s lives have been lost due to overdose.
Last weekend, they held a barbecue fundraiser, bike drive and info session to help spread the word about overdose prevention and to tell people more about the society.
READ MORE: Learn about harm reduction and more at Chilliwack Overdose Prevention Society fundraiser
Future plans include free naloxone training sessions for the public, on-bike harm reduction delivery service, peer witnessing, and a needle pick-up program.
According to its Facebook page, Chilliwack Overdose Prevention Society is a new society that’s “working toward opening multiple services for the marginalized individuals in our community.”
The Overdose Awareness Day candlelight vigil is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. at Salish Park. Those attending are asked to wear masks and practise physical distancing.
Donations will be accepted at the vigil, or you can donate to the society’s GoFundMe account at gofundme.com/f/chilliwack-overdose-prevention-society.
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