International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is held on August 31, 2025
It is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.
The theme for 2025 is “One Big Family, Driven by Hope”, highlighting the power of our community – not just because we share the pain of loss, but because we share the power to change what comes next.
#TogetherWeCan #IOAD2025 #EndOverdose
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is it?
The event will begin at St. Catharines City Hall (50 Church St.)
When does it start & end?
The open remarks will start at 5:15 pm. The march will leave city hall at approximately 5:35 pm.
While we don’t have a set end time, the event is likely to last 2 hours
How far and what is the route of the March?
The march is approximately 1.5 km
Written Directions:
- City Hall — James St.
- James — Turn left onto St. Paul
- Joining Point 1 — Mahtay
- Joining Point 2 — with refreshments at Silver Spire United Church
- Continue down St. Paul and cross through the intersection that crosses Geneva St. onto Queenston St.
- Continue on Queenston until St. Barnabas and turn left onto Calvin towards Start Me Up Niagara (Joining Station 3)
- Once you reach Church St, turn Right
- From Start Me Up Niagara, turn Right onto Frank towards Gale Crescent
- Then right onto Gale Crescent
- This is the END of the march. We will be gathered on the grassy area here
Visual Map is at the top of this page.
What if I can’t get there until after 5?
That’s ok! We won’t start marching until 5:35 but we will also have multiple joining locations along the route.
They are:
- Mahtay Cafe @ 241 St Paul St, St. Catharines
- Silver Spire @ 366 St Paul St, St. Catharines
What if I can’t walk that far?
We have a couple options!
- You can reduce the length of the march by joining from one of the throughout the route – Mahtay, Silver Spire and Start Me Up Niagara
- Follow the march in your vehicle + parking info
- We have some limited spots available in a couple vehicles participating in the march.
Please email communication@opirgbrock.com ahead of the event if you want to reserve a spot or check in with a marshal upon arrival at the event to see if there are any more spots available!
How do I participate?
There are many ways to participate and what’s important is that you participate in a way that feels right for you and is respectful of everyone there.
You can come on your own, with friends, family or co-workers. You’re welcome to make your own sign, or borrow one from us. You can even bring your work/union’s flag!
You’re welcome to join in on the chanting or singing, bring a drum or other noise maker and make some noise with us! Or join us quietly – whatever feels right for you.
Like having a task or role to do in a social setting? Volunteer with us – there are many ways to help out from handing out water, being a safety marshall, helping to carry a banner, or picking up litter along the route. Contact us at communication@opirgbrock.com if you’re interested in being a volunteer the day of.
You can also participate by asking your employer to endorse the event – reach out to us at communication@opirgbrock.com for a letter of endorsement you can give them!
What should I bring and/or wear?
It’s a good idea to bring a water bottle, an umbrella, sunscreen, and wear comfy shoes. There will be multiple water stations and wagons along the way.
Purple! The colour for International Overdose Awareness Day is purple so we invite everyone to wear as much purple as they want. Also wear comfy clothes and comfy walking shoes. It’ll likely be pretty hot, so keep that in mind and wear loose fitting, cool clothing.
Can I bring my own sign?
Please do! We love seeing all the different signs folks make to show their support for IOAD.
What should I put on my sign?
There are many options and what you put on your sign will depend on what you want to say. Here are some suggestions:
- Harm Reduction is an act of Radical Love
- Let’s End Overdose!
- Safe Supply Now!
- Protect Our CTS!
- No more dead friends
- Overdose Does Not Discriminate
- Time to Remember. Time to Act
- End the Stigma
- Overdose death can be prevented!
- #EndOverdose
- No More Stigma No More Shame
- Cool Cats Carry Narcan
- Together We Can
- Not One More!
- Harm Reduction Saves Lives
- No More Drug War
- More Sweeps = More Overdose
- They talk We die
- Harm Reduction Saves Lives!
- It’s Our Backyard Too