Candlelight vigil in Lethbridge puts focus on tragic loss — and hope for healing — in opioid crisis
March comes in wake of 50 overdoses in a number of days late last month
In a solemn show of solidarity, people in Lethbridge, Alta., are speaking out after a spate of fatal overdoses in their community.
They held a march and a vigil in a show of support for the families who've lost loved ones to addiction — and those who are addicted to opioids.
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Attendees held candles that illuminated the photos of loved ones lost to opioid addictions.
A mother, an uncle, a cousin — and for Kelsey Many Fingers Healy — a brother.
"We never thought we would lose my brother on Christmas Eve to a drug overdose. But it does, it changes your life completely," he said.
After more than 50 overdoses between Lethbridge and the Blood Reserve in only a matter of days late last month, Many Fingers-Healy said he felt compelled to do something.
"Let's bring awareness to people," he said. "We've got to tell people there's resources out there to help them."
Abby Morning Bull of Communities in Unity helped Many Fingers-Healy organize the march and vigil.
She said the goal of the gathering was to show those struggling that even in their darkest hour they are loved.
"This whole crisis has just been a lot of hurt, a lot of mourning and people may be feeling alone and isolated and a lot of fear as well," she said.
"So this is just to bring people together and show there are people with supports and that there's a community behind them."
Many Fingers Healy said he wants those using opioids to know it's never too late to reach out for help.
"We're just here to show them that they have support and that they're not alone in their addiction," he said. "They can reach out to a friend, a family member, or any one of us here tonight."
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