Black Balloon Day returns to downtown Barrie on Thursday, which organizers say is a chance for people to reflect and remember their love ones who have died due to drug-related harms.
The ceremony for the international day of remembrance and awareness will begin at 3:30 p.m. on March 6 at the Barrie City Hall Rotunda.
The event is being hosted by Ryan’s Hope, the Barrie Encampment Support Network and Moms Stop The Harm.
"It's a day to come together in the community to share in our grief and to offer comfort to each other," states a news release. "It's a day to celebrate the lives of those that left us too soon."
Members of the public are invited to attend the vigil. Balloons with the names of those who have died due to the toxic drug crisis will be placed outside city hall and around downtown.
Event organizers say they hope that "these balloons will open hearts and minds, that they will start conversations."
"People who use drugs are not our enemies — they are our neighbours, our friends, our siblings and our children," states the release. "We need to give them the support they need to survive. A person cannot be helped when they are dead. Together, we can change policy, end stigma and save lives."
More information is available on the event link on Facebook.
