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Intemational Overdose Awareness Day event to be held tonight David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff An Oakville youth recovery group will hold its fourth annual Internation- al Overdose Awareness Day event at Oakville Towne Square tonight (Aug. 3). The event, which is hosted by Resil- iency 4 Recovery, will run from 6-7:30 p.m., and focus on prevention and re- membrance of those lost to overdose. The activity will feature guest speakers including a father whose child was lost to an overdose, as well as Oakville MPP and Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn and Oakville MP John Oliver. A candlelight vigil and live music per- formances will follow. Members of the public are invited to attend. Organizers say overdose awareness is more important now that ever as Canada struggles in grip of the fentanyl crisis. “We are losing young people. Every single member of Resiliency 4 Recovery knows at least two young people who have died of overdose in our own com- munity, in the Oakville community,” said Tracey Stark, program manager for the group. “Now more than ever we have to take action.” Resiliency 4 Recovery is calling for the greater availability of the medication Naloxone, which counters the effects of an opioid overdose. They also want to see overdose pre- vention taught at all high schools in Oakville. Stark emphasized that fentanyl is here in Oakville and that someone may not even know they are taking it, with drug dealers mixing fentanyl into cocaine and other drugs. “Together we can change things. These are anybody's kids. They are your neighbours’ kids, they are the person next door. They are special,” said Stark. “The public perception of this has to change. This doesn’t only impact people who are chronic users or addicts.” Oakville Town Square is located at 212 Lakeshore Rd. E. Resiliency 4 Recovery was created by youths for youths between the ages of 16-24 who are struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health issues. The recovery group is holding the event with funding from the Oakville Community Foundation. For more information on Resiliency 4 Recovery or the International Overdose Awareness Day event, contact the group at resiliency4recovery@gmail.com or visit www.resiliency4recovery.com. Woo'uoyeyepisurMM | HSAVAE STHAMVO | 2TOZ ‘TE IsNEny pan | tz Katarina Ajvazovic holds her candle during the 2015 Overdose Awareness Day candlelight vigil in Oakville. | Metroland file photo aie SHOW the Most Inclusive and Inspiring Wedding Experience! September 15-17, 2017 International Centre, Mississauga Save $3 Off Online Tickets Using Code NBSI7 WWW.NATIONALBRIDALSHOW.COM Retail Shopping Unique \ exhibliors LLAGE— ORTHODONTICS "Schedule an appointment at Village Orthodontics during your immer Break! At Village Orthodontics we specialize in Invisalign® & Traditional Braces. Book your complimentary consultation today! 647-496-1424 2-2983 Westoak Trails Blvd., Oakville www.villageortho.ca if @NATIONALBRIDAL weddingbells instax By cores DOLLHOUSE wh) |