International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 31st is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, to remember without stigma those who have died from overdose, and to acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
The Off The Clock Toolbox Talk (OTCTBT) team was honoured to attend the Langley Community Action Team's Overdose Awareness Event and Candlelight Vigil at Douglas Park. The event included a BBQ, resource fair, naloxone training, lived experience stories, Indigenous drummers, poetry and live music.
The IOAD 2023 #WeSeeYou theme is about recognizing and acknowledging people in our communities who are affected by overdose but might go unseen in the crisis. They are the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion; or spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver.
Thanks to OTCTBT co-host Daniel Snyder, and the Langley CAT for inviting Off The Clock Toolbox Talk to participate in this beautiful event. Our appreciation as well to Greg Hemminger of the Tailgate Toolkit Project for his support. To learn more about the special evening, read the article featured in the Langley Advance HERE.
"Song for Renee" by Hidden Voices featuring vocalist Gord Maxwell. As noted in the Langley Advance article by Kyler Emerson: Attendees were invited to write a message to their lost loved ones on a paper bag and place a battery-powered candle inside. The candles were placed in a circle around purple chairs, which represent those lost to the toxic drug supply.