Ryan's Hope

03/06/2026

March 6th is Black Balloon Day.

Today, across communities and across the world, we pause to honour the lives taken by the toxic drug crisis and all drug‑related harms — harms rooted not in individual failure, but in system failures, stigma, and the absence of the supports people deserve.

This day is about remembrance, truth‑telling, and love.
It is a day to speak the names of those who should still be here.
A day to acknowledge the grief so many families carry quietly.
A day to stand together and say that every life lost mattered, and still matters.

We remember Ryan, our beautiful boy.
We remember Christopher, Josh, Tyler, Uncle Tommy, and so many others who became part of our extended family through shared struggle, shared love, and shared loss.

Their lights remain with us. Their stories continue to shape us.

This year, we are not gathering in person. We are taking time to heal, to breathe, and to care for our family.
But we invite you — gently, openly — to join us in remembrance online.

If you feel called, please share in the comments who you are remembering today.
Your story matters. Their story matters.
Together, we carry their light forward.

May these black balloons open hearts, soften stigma, and spark conversations that save lives.
People who use drugs are our loved ones, our neighbours, our friends, our children.
We must build systems that help people live — because no one can be helped once they are gone.

In grief, in solidarity, and in hope — we remember.

ToxicDrugCrisis onpoli cdnpoli

02/11/2026

To the families and community of Tumbler Ridge, and those who grieve with them,

We hold you in our hearts. The loss of these children has shaken our country, leaving so many of us standing in sorrow, searching for words that can meet the depth of this tragedy.

In this time of collective mourning, may we hold one another gently. May light find its way into the cracks of this heartbreak, and may community become a source of strength as we try to make sense of what cannot be made sense of.

We honour the children whose lives were cut short, and we hold space for every family and neighbour now navigating a world forever changed. You are not alone in this grief. We stand with you—in compassion, in solidarity, and in love.

02/07/2026

Request fulfilled. Thank you Sarah.

This is how we build community!

***Mutual Aid Request ***

A member of our community is in need of a Walker with seat that folds. They are rehabilitating after being in a coma for several weeks. If you are able to assist with this request pm us.

Neighbours supporting neighbours is how we build community!

12/21/2025

Today is Homeless Persons Memorial Day, and the Longest Night of the Year.

On this day, we pause to remember the lives lost in our community to homelessness and the systems that failed them. We honour friends gone too soon, and we hold space for the grief carried by so many.

Across the country and around the world, people will gather to mourn, to cry, to speak names aloud, and to find shelter in one another.

As we remember those we’ve lost, we are also called to care for those still here.

I invite you to take one small action toward a kinder, more just community—say hello to an unsheltered neighbour, share a warm drink, offer spare change, or support a local organization working on the front lines.

Tonight reminds us that we do not grieve alone. We stand together, in solidarity and love, as we continue the work for dignity, safety, and housing for all.

“It is in the shelter of each other that people live.”
— Irish Proverb






HousingIsAHumanRight

12/19/2025

People who are tenting outside or “living rough” often form strong community bonds for survival. Unfortunately, these communities face intense scrutiny from the public, causing city councils to enforce bylaws that disrupt these bonds in an effort to remove what many see as an eyesore. But, when you are unhoused, you have nowhere else to go. This means visible poverty has not been solved, only moved, yet these bonds of survival are disrupted, resulting in hardship and sometimes even death.

Jay was a patient of mine who lived in an encampment with a few other people. When their tents, sleeping bags and blankets were taken in a sweep, the group was forced to disperse and lose critical collective support. Jay spent several nights sleeping outside alone without supplies to keep warm. He suffered severe frostbite which became infected, requiring amputation of his foot.

Harms from “moving people along” when they have no place to go are tangible and severe. Talk to your city councillors, and go to Stop the Sweeps campaign to learn more.

12/12/2025

12/11/2025

Frostbite is a serious condition in which body tissues freeze. It happens most often in the fingers, toes, ears, and nose. There are two levels of frostbite: Superficial frostbite occurs when the skin freezes but the underlying tissues are unaffected. It may produce clear blisters after the tissue thaws, but little or no tissue loss typically occurs. Deep frostbite occurs when tissues beneath the skin (including tendons, muscles, and blood vessels) freeze. Inside the body, ice crystals and swelling begin to damage or destroy the body’s cells, blood vessels, and nerves. Deep frostbite may produce dark, hemorrhagic blisters when the tissue thaws, and is more likely to result in tissue loss. Before frostbite occurs, a person’s skin may appear shiny and rosy (a condition sometimes called "frost nip"). This is a warning that frostbite is imminent. If you see these signs, move to a warmer environment or protect the skin with layers of clothing. https://www.redcross.ca

12/10/2025

Additional Support and information is just a phone call away. Call 211 (24/7) or visit 211ontario.ca for information on other community services and programs for people who are experiencing homelessness, living on a low income, living alone, or coping with life changes. Services are available in over 150 languages. Call 911 (24/7) if you’re concerned about someone experiencing homelessness or sleeping outdoors who may be at risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Call 988 (24/7) if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis.

12/10/2025

12/07/2025

Today is a day of both sadness and celebration as we remember and celebrate Ryan's 40th birthday without him here.

Five years ago today on his 35th birthday we buried our beautiful boy. Our hearts will always carry both joy and grief. We continue to mourn the physical loss of Ryan but we move forward carrying all the light and love that remains.

We were beyond blessed to have almost 35 years with Ryan by our side and today we will celebrate Ryan's 40th in Ryan style with food, fun, and family.

Happy birthday dear Ryan, happy birthday to you 🎂!

I know you are singing your heart out somewhere.

12/06/2025

House of Commons, Budget Second ReadingNovember 27, 2025MP Johns calls for expert-led drug policy: "Get politicians out of the way"