August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), a global event held each year to raise awareness and end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends left behind. Globally, events are held to rouse action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy.
Toxic drugs are now the leading cause of death for people aged 10-59 in BC, accounting for more deaths than homicides, suicides, accidents and natural disease combined. Since the declaration of the public health emergency in 2016, more than 14,000 people have died in BC because of toxic drugs.
This year we will mark International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) with a continued sense of grief, urgency, and hope. This year’s IOAD theme is “Together we can” because no one should stand alone in our fight to end overdose. We believe in the power of community and what communities can achieve when they come together over a shared goal.
Throughout BC, events will be held leading up and on International Overdose Awareness Day. Please join in activities and actions near your community.
This page will be updated frequently up until IOAD. If you would like to add an event, send it to [email protected]
Provincial/Virtual
When: August 20, 12-1pm, August 27, 12-1pm
Where: Virtual
Join the Regional Addiction Program for a film screening leading up to IOAD. They will be screening the films “Building Hope” and “Beyond Stigma”. Screenings will be followed by a panel discussion featuring people with lived/living experience of substance use.
Click here to see the event poster.
Abbotsford
When: August 28th, 11:00pm – 2:00pm
Where: Jubilee Park, 2552 McCallum Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 2B9
Hosted by Reducing Overdose Abbotsford Response. Event includes Sts:’ailes First Nation Sasquatch Dancers, live music, food trucks, free lunch, activities, naloxone training, memorial wall, and “We Can” community quilts
Click here to view event poster
Burnaby
When: August 31, 2024, 3:30PM
Where: Civic Square (by the Metrotown branch of the Burnaby Public Library), 6100 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby BC V5H 4N5
Burnaby Community Action Team (hosted by Burnaby Neighbourhood House) is hosting an event at Civic Square in Burnaby. Please join us to raise awareness & honour the lives lost due to the overdose crisis. This is a free event and everyone is welcome.
Campbell River
When: August 31, 1pm-5pm
Where: Spirit Square in downtown Campbell River, BC
We will be holding a series of events to honour and remember the friends and family who have died to the toxic drug crisis, as well as those directly and indirectly affected. Some of the activities include a funeral march, planting crosses, a live butterfly release, healing and support circles, art activities and food services.
Click here for Facebook Event details
Chilliwack
When: August 29th, 2pm-6pm
Where: 44680 Schweyey Rd, Chilliwack, BC
Our International Overdose Awareness Day event is taking place at Shxwha:y Village on August 29th from 2-6pm. This is put on by the Chilliwack Community Action Team in partnership with Shxwha:y.
It will be similar to last year with food trucks, resource tables, naloxone training, drumming, support groups, a memorial wall and a live butterfly release.
Hosted by Chilliwack Community Action Team
Coquitlam
When: August 31st, 11am
Where: “Scout Hall” and surrounding area – Blue Mountain Park
Substance use and mental health service providers come together with local artists to share resources, lived experiences, creative expressions, and education. In memory of loved ones gone too soon.
* Service Providers
* Local and Neighbouring Artists
* Community Art Engagement
* Resources and Education
* Silent March
* Story Sharing
Hosted by Tri-Cities Community Action Team
Crofton
When: August 30th, 6pm-9pm
Where: gather in the Crofton park at the sign near the ferry terminal
Attendees will gather in the park near the ‘Welcome to Crofton’ sign where I will have some resources available on the the table I will have set up. There will be speeches, a performance by the Tzinquaw Dancers and live music until 8 p.m. I will be handing out purple glow stick necklaces for the vigil march on the seawalk at dusk. I will also be handing out bottled water and purple ribbons to wear for International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
Click here for Facebook Event details
Delta
When: September 7th, 11am-4pm
Where: Ladner United Church, 4960 48 Ave, Delta, BC V4K 4X6
The Delta Community Action Team will be holding a Wellness Fair to commemorate both International Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Day. The Wellness Fair will feature diverse activities including a food truck, live music, event speakers, crafts and games for families, a wellness market highlighting local community service providers and health and wellness businesses, and a compelling audio/visual art experience. A memorial space will also be dedicated to the numerous lives tragically lost in Delta due to the toxic drug supply crisis.
Click here to access the event poster
Fort Nelson
When: August 19th, 9am
Where: 5012 49 Ave, Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0
Tree of Life for remembrance. The tree will be up from August 19th up to August 31st. There will be a candlelight vigil on the 28th of August followed by a community meal.
Hope
When: August 31, 11AM-2PM
Location: Hope Memorial Park – The corner of Wallace and 4th Avenue
A time to remember those we’ve lost and spread awareness. With an emphasis on community connection, everyone is welcome to attend this free event.
We will have a memorial wall, take home naloxone training, wildflower seeds to spread in memory of loved ones, and more. Hosted by Hope Community Action Team.
Kamloops
When: August 31, 8AM – 4PM
Where: Location TBD
Community Popup. The theme is: Together We Can
Early morning Tie Purple Ribbons to Trees to showcase the number of accidental overdose deaths and drug poisonings in the Kamloops + Area regions
Organizations will have booth space to promote their services and offer on-the-spot services/ education to reduce stigma for our community/ information/ community connection. The event will be MC’d, and there will be an Elder opening the event with prayer. We will then have speakers who are PWLLE, Doctors, Academics, and Family who have lost a loved one. There will be on-site naloxone training + distribution, Fentanyl Strips drug check education, swag, merch, etc.
Late afternoon/ evening play “Love in a Time of Fentanyl” Documentary, and we will be selling hotdogs for harm reduction, movie snacks and running a 50/50 to raise funds for important services that support individuals and raise awareness around the ongoing accidental drug overdose and drug poisoning crisis. Educating people on the myths, destigmatizing poverty, raising awareness around drug use in the trades and prevention methods for adverse outcomes of drug use. Continuing to help people who are struggling with mental health, and addictions, and helping individuals navigate themselves into support with no shame or judgement.
Click here for Facebook Event details
Kelowna
When: August 31st, 10am – 1pm, 9pm
Where: Kerry Park, 1480 Mill St, Kelowna, BC
The Round Dance Celebration is being held in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day. This important event is dedicated to raising awareness about the toxic drug crisis, reducing stigma, and honouring the lives lost to overdose within our community.
The Round Dance will feature traditional dancing and singing, symbolizing unity, healing, and the circle of life. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy bannock, participate in smudging ceremonies, and receive Naloxone training. The event will also offer connections to local services, providing vital support and resources to those affected by the overdose crisis.
There will also be a candlelight vigil at 9pm with Moms Stop the Harm at the Sails.
Click here to view the event poster
Kitimat
When: August 30th, 11:30am
Where: Douglas Place
A walk around city center to bring awareness to the event, then opening ceremony with Haisla nation elder. Open mic for families to talk about lost love ones and/or family that are struggling. A memorial table with pictures of loved ones. Followed by food. Service providers will be there to give information regards harm reduction, and naloxone training.
Hosted by Tamitik Status of Women Association.
Langley
When: August 31st, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Where: Douglas Park – Spirit Square, 0550 Douglas Crescent #4B6, Langley, BC
The Langley CAT is a group of dedicated community members and organizations committed to tackling the declared Public Health Emergency not only in our local community but as part of a collaboration throughout the Province of BC.
Our 2024 is slightly downscaled to previous years due to the fact that August 31st is a Saturday of a long-weekend (Labour day).
The event will feature a community BBQ hosted by the Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society, and a small resource fair where attendees can engage with organizations & resources from around Langley. Our goal is to generate awareness while simultaneously remembering those we’ve lost.
The BBQ will begin at 6pm with stage activities starting around 7pm.
Click here for Facebook Event details
Maple Ridge
When: August 31st, 10am-2pm
Where: Maple Ridge BC Memorial Peace Park, 11930 224 St, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9
Join us for our International Overdose Awareness Day event for 2024. The event will feature Guy Felicella, International speaker, advocate and survivor. We will also hear from local government representatives, and encourage sharing from attendees during an open mic portion.
When: August 29th, 6pm
Where: Hollywood 3 Cinemas, 19190 Lougheed Hwy., Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2H6
Stop Overdose Ridge Meadows is hosting a free screening of the locally filmed documentary “Toxic” at the Hollywood 3 on August 29th at 6pm. Includes drinks and popcorn.
Click here to see the event poster.
Mayne Island
When: August 31st, 10am-1pm
Where: Mayne Island Farmers Market, 430 Fernhill Rd, Mayne Island, BC V0N 2J0
Our “Holding Hope” group—a part of Mothers Stop The Harm—will have a table at our farmers market August 31. With info and purple ribbons. Come say hi.
Merritt
When: August 31st, 10am-2pm
Where: 2012 Granite Ave Merritt, BC V1K 1A1
Joan us for an event to raise awareness about overdose to promote education around naloxone and to learn about available support in the community. There will be free food, take home naloxone, local resources.
Everyone is welcome!
Click here to view event poster
Mission
When: August 22nd, 3pm-7pm
Where: Jake Poole Park, 33425 Harbour Ave, Mission, BC V2V 2W3, Canada
Hosted by Mission Community Action Team. Event will feature live music and performance art, community art activities, free food, open mic memorial, and resource fair.
Click here to see the event poster.
Click here for Facebook event page.
Nanaimo
When: August 31st, 12pm – 3pm
Where: Diana Krall Plaza, 51 Gordon St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J8
Mark your calendars for August 31st. Join us at Diana Krall Plaza from 12-3pm for a moving tribute, where 500 purple chairs will stand as symbols of lives and stories. Bring personal items, photos, or messages to place on the chairs, and participate in a vigil to honor and remember.
Request for support:
This August, the Nanaimo Community Action Team (CAT) invites you to be part of a movement that seeks to turn the tide on the overdose crisis. We are launching the Purple Chair Campaign, a heartfelt initiative that aims to raise awareness about overdose, safe supply, harm reduction, and the urgent need to destigmatize substance use in our community.
“Every Seat Tells a Story”
Imagine walking through our city and seeing purple chairs displayed on porches and at the entrances of homes. Each chair represents a life lost to overdose, a person who struggled with substance use, and the loved ones left behind. Each chair tells a story—a story that needs to be heard, understood, and remembered
We Need Your Help!
To bring this vision to life, we need your support. We are seeking donations of 500 chairs and purple paint to create a powerful visual tribute for International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st at Diana Krall Plaza. This is more than just a call for chairs; it’s a call to action, a call to come together as a community to honor those we’ve lost and to stand with those who continue to fight.
Click here to see the event poster
Click here to access the press release
Nelson
When: August 31st, 4:30pm – 6pm
Where: Cottonwood Falls, Nelson, BC
We gather to honour those lives taken by unregulated drug poisoning. Please join us for this memorial event dedicated to our lost loved ones. There will be an Elder blessing, speakers, artists, naloxone, infomation about support services, free pizza and drinks
Click here to see the event poster
New Westminster
When: August 31st, 11:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Hyack Square (800 Columbia Street)
This International Overdose Awareness Day, join us in remembering those we’ve lost to toxic drugs. We will be distributing resources and limited copies of our new zine, We Bend, We Don’t Break. This raw, unflinching publication lays bare the brutal realities of addiction and loss, offering a stark, powerful testament to survival and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds.
For more information on the NWOCAT, visit the website.
If you are an organization and interested in hosting a table, please reach out to Lola at [email protected].
Parksville
When: August 31st, 4PM
Where: Picnic Shelter area, near the Outdoor Theatre
In an outdoor setting, there will be speakers, naloxone training, harm reduction, etc. With this year’s theme of Together We Can in mind, the speakers will talk about how we can help those vulnerable in our community, those living with addiction, the unhoused. Later there will be a Candlelight Vigil memorial for those loved ones who died/harmed from substance use harms. Family/friends are encouraged to speak. Hosted by Oceanside Community Action Team and Moms Stop the Harm.
Penticton
When: August 31, 11:00 – 6:00pm
Where: Gyro Park, 55 Main St, Penticton, BC V2A 5K1
Join local community agencies as we come together to honor those lost and learn about local initiatives happening to combat stigma and the effects of the toxic drug crisis. Event includes live performances, interactive memorial display, smudging and emotional support, naloxone training and OPS, and a community BBQ from 1-3pm.
Port Alberni
When: August 31th, 10am-2pm
Where: Best Western Hotel, 4277 Stamp Ave, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 7X8
Port Alberni CAT is doing 2 days of events for IOAD.
Friday, August 30th: Open to the PUBLIC
- MLA Josie Osborne- Welcome
- MLA Sonia Furstenau- Keynote
- Laura “LT” Todd- keynote
- Afternoon break out rooms- Naloxone training, discussion groups
- All day- Memorial Art project
- All day- service provider info tables
** newspaper, radio ads, newspaper articles, plus a radio live-on-location to promote event
Saturday, August 31st: Invite only/ persons living and accessing services downtown
- BBQ- hamburgers, hotdogs, salmon
- Ice cream cones
- Give aways/ gifts
- Memorial art project
- Craft tables
- Games
- Live music: Bobbie Armich band, Scott Monk
- Haircuts, chair massage, foot care (hopefully)
Salmon Arm
When: August 31st, 4pm
Where: TBD
I would like to attempt to host an event, I can use all the help and support available. If approved I will secure a location even if it’s on my own property.
Please reach out to Cara for more information/to support.
Phone: 7789089707
Email: [email protected]
Sooke
When: August 31, 4-8pm
Where: Event will be held in a grassy area close to the local shopping mall.
Featuring resource tables providing information on local resources and Naloxone training
Speakers include: dignitaries and lived/living experience, musicians.
Candlelight vigil/say their name to wind up the event.
Sunshine Coast
When: August 31, 3-6pm
Where: Mission Point Park & House 4603 Sunshine Coast Highway, Davis Bay
Hosted by i2i Peer Support + Vancouver Coastal Health. Featuring Threshold Singers, Khyah Singh, and live music from DJ Ocea. Food, Grief support, Naloxone Training , VCH Mobile Overdose Prevention Site, and guest speakers.
Surrey
When: August 31st, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Rd, Surrey, BC
Join us to remember and memorialize the lives lost and those impacted by the overdose crisis.
There will be opportunities to connect with peers, Indigenous Elders will share insights and help memorialize lives lost and community social service agencies will be available to share information about their programs.
Hosted by Surrey Overdose Response Community Action TEAM (CAT)
Terrace
When: August 31, 2pm
Where: George Little Park, 4633-4603 Park Ave, Terrace, BC
The event begins at 2 pm there will be a land acknowledgment, speakers and music. A free BBQ, Naloxone training, community resources, Face painting, Smudge tent & more.
Come and join us together to honour our loved ones lost to substance use related harms.
Trail
When: August 31, 10am-2pm & 7pm
Where: 1475 Esplanade Ave, Trail, BC V1R 3W9
Vigil at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday to remember those who have died from the toxic drug supply. The event will include a blessing, music, the opportunity for people to speak about their lost loved ones or hang a message in nearby trees, and refreshments.
Leading up to the event, we will have an information and training booth at the Trail IncrEDIBLE Farmers’ Market on Saturday, August 24, from 10-2. We will have a number of members available to speak to the issue of the toxic drug supply, printed materials, training on the use of Naloxone and refreshments.
Vancouver
When: Starting August 29, 11am-3pm – Ending September 16th – 11am-3pm
Where: Opening event: REACH Entrance area – 1145 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X3 & online
Closing event: Grandview Park, 1657 Charles St, Vancouver, BC V5L 2T4
REACH Community Health Centre will host a series of events to raise awareness on International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) from August 29th to September 16th, 2024, with the campaign Not Alone – We Hear You. For this period, they will have, an online and on-site ‘Ask Your Questions’ board about addiction and overdose that will be answered starting September 3rd.
The August 29th Not Alone – We Hear You Opening tabling event is in collaboration with partners: Peak House, The Kettle Society, Smart Recovery Meeting, Recovery Meeting Vancouver, and Vancouver Coastal Health.
At this event you can learn about harm reduction and programming; Ask your questions surrounding drug addiction and overdose; Share your stories and connect with others; Learn of resources that REACH provides; Chance to win prizes!
Click here to access the opening event poster
The September 11th Not Alone – We Hear You Closing Ceremony will have a Drum Circle, led by Elders Tom Oleman and Rusty Edmonds, a Salmon feast and cultural teachings at Canuck Family Education Centre, Naloxone training, Q & A session, community resources, and a sharing circle.
Click here to access the closing event poster
Click here to access the Facebook event
When: August 29, time TBD
Where: St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church, Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada- corner of Burrard and Nelson
Hosted by Moms Stop the Harm. A viewing of “TOXIC” : Directed by Robert Colbourne, This documentary examines the fentanyl and overdose crisis in Vancouver’s lower mainland, of British Columbia Canada. A panel discussion will follow the documentary.
When: August 29, 11-2pm
Where: Jim Deva Plaza, 1200 Bute St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N3
Health Initiative for Men in Vancouver is going to be tabling in the Jim Deva Plaza, offering naloxone training and harm reduction supplies.
When: August 31, 10am
Where: Kits Beach, just off the beach, look for the pop up tent with purple sides.
Mom Stop the Harm members in Vancouver will be on hand to answer questions, discuss concerns and provide resources. A Memorial Labyrinth will also be on site. Anyone is free to come and walk the labyrinth amongst the photos of those we have lost.
Vernon
When: August 29th, 3pm-6pm
Where: Civic Plaza/Spirit Square
he community members of Vernon are warmly invited to come together at Civic Plaza/Spirit Square on August 29 from 3pm to 6pm for a ceremony to honor and remember our lost loved ones, and to embark on a journey of healing together. We will also pay tribute to our dedicated First Responders, both traditional and non-traditional, whose heroic efforts have saved numerous lives.
We will finish by sharing food, and our support for one another.
Victoria
When: August 31st, 11:30AM – 4PM
Where: 919 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC V8V 3P4
Hosted by Our Place Society. Please join us in remembering those we have lost to overdose. We will have guest speakers, drummers, a memorial wall and the ribbon cutting for our new memorial gardens.
West Kelowna
When: August 28th, 12pm-2pm
Where: 3731 Old Okanagan Highway, West Kelowna, V4T 1K7
Pop in with your brown bag lunch and learn. #TogetherWeCan, we’re highlighting the strength of coming together and standing in support.
Come and hear the voice of Moms Stop the Harm, Westbank First Nation and many community partners. Let’s remember the tenacity of our community as we lean into the power that we can have when we all work together. This event is free, and open to all.
White Rock/South Surrey
When: August 28th, Starts at 5:00pm
Where: White Rock Pier & Promenade
Join us on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 at 5pm at Memorial Park along White Rock Beach.
This year’s theme, “Together We Can,” inspires us to unite. Join us as we form a chain – holding hands or using paper – and stand proudly along White Rock Pier. Let’s showcase the strength of our community when we stand together.
Agenda:
5:00pm – Opening ceremony and sharing stories from people with lived/living experience
6:00pm – Hands Across White Rock Pier activity and BBQ
7:00pm to 8:00pm – Resource tables, naloxone training, and activities
8:00pm – Candlelight ceremony and lighting of pier lights purple
This could not be done without the support from community partners: Peer Support Network, Alex House, South Asian Health Institute, Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association and more