08/21/2026
Support VANDU's fundraiser to make IOAD 2026 accessible!
https://gofund.me/03a374675
**FUNDRAISER**
Help VANDU Gather, Grieve & Remember This International Overdose Awareness Day
https://www.gofundme.com/f/vandu-gather-grieve-remember-on-august-31
Across Canada, 56,631 people died from opioid toxicity between 2016 and the end of 2025.
In the United States, there were more than 832,000 drug overdose deaths over those same ten years.
Every country counts these deaths differently. But none of these numbers are just numbers.
They are our friends, family, neighbours, members and loved ones.
In its 25th year, IOAD now brings together more than 1,000 events in over 40 countries.
This year, we’re planning a community memorial at Oppenheimer Park for the neighbourhood to mourn, eat, make art, share stories and stand together.
And, a public rally will kick off in the evening at the Vancouver Art Gallery with a Speaker’s Corner and screenings. Some parts of the day are still coming together, and we’ll share more as they are confirmed.
This gathering is organized by, with, and for the community most affected by this crisis.
We remember those we have lost.
We stand with those who are still here.
The blessing of VANDU comes to Us through our ill, difficult members.
The most remarkable experience of those members who reach out to our abandoned, street involved members is that, in the end,
They give more than They receive.
They give Us Hope!
The Ask:
We are raising $7,000 to help make the day accessible to the people most affected.
Donations will support food and water, peer member stipends, transportation, Elder and speaker honoraria, memorial and art materials, permits, equipment, harm reduction supplies and the practical work of bringing people together safely.
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Photo by Darryl Dyck
