Local events taking place to honour those impacted by and lost to drug poisonings.
The Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes Northumberland (HKLN) Drug Strategy recognizes August 31st as International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s largest annual campaign to end drug poisonings, with events in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County and Northumberland County.
The campaign acknowledges the grief of the family and friends left behind. This year’s theme is ‘One Big
Family, Driven by Hope’, highlights how overdose impacts entire communities and the power of working
together to heal. It also reveals how deeply connected everyone is and the power of showing up for one
another.
The day was established in 2001 by Australians Sally J. Finn and Peter Streker to commemorate those who have lost their lives to drug poisonings, those who continue to face risk including death and harm by the unregulated toxic drug supply and to support the loved ones whose lives have been affected by substance use.
Since 2012, the responsibility of organizing International Overdose Awareness Day has been taken over by the Penington Institute, an Australian non-profit health organization and is now observed all over the world.
International Overdose Awareness Day brings attention to an ongoing health emergency that stimulates action and discussion about evidence-based drug poisoning prevention initiatives and drug policy reform. The campaign also acknowledges the profound grief felt by families and friends whose loved ones have died or suffered permanent injury from drug poisoning.
“Each year we come together to educate the community and remember those we’ve lost to substance use and the failed policies that continue to harm our community members,” said Ashley Smoke, Coordinator of the HKLN Drug Strategy. “It’s important that we create space for people to mourn the loss of loved ones and to help create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.”
The HKLN Drug Strategy would like to encourage members of the public, local agencies and community
organizations to participate by sharing social media posts in support of International Overdose Awareness Day or attending the following events to show support:
Haliburton County Events
Village Barn Minute of Silence and Activities
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Village Barn, 197 Haliburton Street, Haliburton, ON
Remarks and a minute of silence will take place, along with several activities including sidewalk chalk messages to loved ones, rock painting, naloxone training, music and a book reading of The Invisible String will occur.
Head Lake Park Healing Circle
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025, at 1 p.m.
Location: Head Lake Park, 13 York Street, Haliburton, ON
A Healing Circle will be led by Indigenous Elder Larry O’Connor with a closing ceremony at 1:45 p.m.
City of Kawartha Lakes Events
Music in the Park in City of Kawartha Lakes
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Old Mill Park, 161 Kent Street East, Lindsay, ON
A variety of musicians will be playing and other activities such as rock painting, community canvas, a tree/ribbon memorial,
open mic and light refreshments will be served.
Proclamation and Flag Ceremony in City of Kawartha Lakes
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025, at 1 p.m.
Location: Kawartha Lakes City Hall, 26 Francis Street, Lindsay, ON
A proclamation and Flag Ceremony will take place with remarks from the Mayor/Deputy Mayor and the changing of the exterior lights at City Hall will turn to purple.
Book Reading in City of Kawartha Lakes
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
Location: Lindsay-Kawartha Lakes Public Library, 190 Kent Street West, Lindsay, ON
A reading of ‘The Invisible String’ will take place.
Northumberland County Events
Road to Cultivate – Memorial Flag Making in Port Hope
Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025. | Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Memorial Park, 44 Queen Street, Port Hope, ON
Road to Cultivate will be hosting a memorial flag making activity while also providing training on naloxone kits.
Candlelight Vigil in Port Hope
Date: August 29, 2025, from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
A candlelight vigil will be held to honour all of those affected by drug overdose.
Port Hope Police Station Raising of Flag
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025, at 9 a.m.
The Port Hope Police Service will be raising their flag to acknowledge the profound grief felt by families and friends whose loved ones have died or suffered permanent injury from drug poisoning.
The National Overdose Response Service hotline is available 24/7 at 1-888-688-6677 to help people stay safe when using drugs.
For More Information
• Visit the HKLN Drug Strategy to learn more about current harm reduction efforts
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
