Amazing and supportive.
Those were the words Laurel White, community action team lead, used to describe how well the Overdose Awareness Day event went on Wednesday, Aug. 31 in Williams Lake.
“People were sharing stories and we had a great lineup of performers,” she said. “I am very happy.”
White and Leah Martin, her co-organizer for the event, wanted to create something that would attract the entire community to show support and possibly learn.
There were food trucks on site, free food for vulnerable people, dozens of agencies with information to share and great weather to make it an enjoyable time to be in the park.
Local resident Alex Courtereille was sitting with friends enjoying pizza and a beverage at one of the picnic tables and was all smiles.
“I took it all in - it was great,” he said.
Leadership from Williams Lake First Nation did an opening ceremony.
Rappers Bryan Bioson and Cass City from Williams Lake, Rich N Beka of the Tsilhqot’in Nation and Lady Knox from Victoria were all part of the entertainment lineup - all appreciated by a small but intimate audience.
Both Martin and White are looking forward to next year’s event after this year’s success and hope the it will grow even more.
BC Emergency Health Services confirmed as of Sept. 12, paramedics have responded to 116 overdose patient events in the Williams Lake area so far in 2022.
monica.lamb-yorski@wltribune.com
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