Maple Ridge event to mark International Overdose Awareness Day

Storm, or Stop Overdose Ridge Meadows, will hold a Dine With Us event in Maple Ridge on Aug. 31 to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.

The event runs from 3 to 7 p.m. at Memorial Peace Park and will remember people lost to the toxic drug crisis while recognizing life, recovery and resilience. Organizer Jerrica Hackett said more than 18,000 British Columbians have died in the crisis and invited the community to take part.

Attendees can access naloxone education, overdose-prevention resources and information on local recovery, treatment and support services. Community booths, live music and entertainment are also planned.

Tacosaurus and Rolled West Coast will provide food, with the first 100 servings free. Good Wolf Foundation merchandise will be available, with proceeds supporting local initiatives.

The park will also feature the Purple Chair Project, with participating organizations displaying an empty purple chair as a reminder of a person who should still be present. Partners include the Salvation Army, Alouette Addictions and Coast Mental Health. More information is available at stopoverdoseridgemeadows.ca.