The Surrey Community Action Team and Fraser Regional Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association are organizing an event to remember those who have died during the toxic drug crisis.
International Overdose Awareness Day is marked each year on Aug. 31, but the event will take place on Aug 29 from 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. in Holland Park (13428 Old Yale Rd.)
"Events are held around the world to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose," Sukh Shergill from Surrey Overdose Response Community Action Team said.
"Our Surrey memorial event will aim to create opportunities for people to connect with local resources and provide a space to honour and remember the lives we have lost," Shergill said.
There will also be a chance to connect with people from different organizations that provide housing, health, employment, income and health support.
The Fraser Regional Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association will provide a meal.
Organizers ask people to email sukh@dialoguesinaction.com to RSVP.
The South Surrey/White Rock Community Action Team (CAT) is hosting a similar event in White Rock on Aug. 28 from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 28, beginning with an opening ceremony and speakers at Memorial Park on the waterfront. Following that, what organizers are calling Hands Along the Pier will happen, where attendees with all join hands on White Rock's iconic structure.
April 2024 marked eight years since a public health emergency was declared in response to the overdose crisis in B.C.
In the first half of 2024, 1,158 people died in B.C. from toxic drug ingestion, with the crisis still the leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 59 in the province.
Surrey is the city with the second-highest number of toxic drug deaths in the province, just behind Vancouver.
-With files from Sobia Moman
