By Jesse Wegenast. As part of International Overdose Awareness Day celebrations taking place across the country and around the world, The 5 and 2 Ministries and the Abbotsford Chapter of the BC/Yukon Association of Drug War Survivors would like to invite the public, as well as City officials, to an awareness event at Jubilee Park at 4:00 pm on Saturday, August 31, and continuing until 10:00 am on Sunday, September 1.
The purpose of the event is twofold: to express solidarity with individuals who suffer from addiction, and to welcome the citizens of Abbotsford in to join the conversation about the issues of homelessness and addiction in a local context. Meals and snacks will be provided.
Since June of this year, a number of concerns around homelessness and addiction have been brought to the forefront in Abbotsford. These include the disgraceful actions of the Abbotsford Police Department and the City of Abbotsford; the increasing frequency of overdoses and drug-related violence; and the difficulties faced in providing affordable and supportive housing. Though conversations are taking place at the civic level to address these issues, little or no effort has been made by the City to engage in meaningful conversation with the individuals most affected by homelessness and addiction: those who live it daily.
The Drug War Survivors, The 5 and 2, and their memberships firmly believe that conversations about these issues must include the input of all members of society in order to be as effective and inclusive as possible.
This event is an excellent opportunity for the citizens of Abbotsford and City officials to engage with experts on homelessness and addiction.