A single purple chair stood empty at the entrance of Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge on August 18. The chair symbolized a community member lost to the toxic drug crisis, first declared a public health emergency in British Columbia in 2016.
The chair was part of an effort led by Stop Overdose Ridge Meadows, known as ST.O.R.M. Project coordinator Jerrica Hackett hopes people will sit beside the chair and share their own toxic drug crisis stories. Short videos of these stories will be posted online to reduce stigma around substance use before International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31.
Hackett explained that people often assume drug-related deaths only affect those living on the streets. She wants to highlight that substance use impacts people of all ages and backgrounds. Her goal is to show the true scope of the epidemic across the community.
So far, Hackett has filmed four videos, including her own. She shared her personal loss of two classmates who died shortly after graduating in 2009. She remembered them as bright, kind young women with promising futures, but noted that resources and support were limited at the time.
Other community members have also spoken about their losses. Lindsey, another participant, shared a video about a close friend who passed away in October. He was described as a talented musician with a unique personality and bold sense of style. Despite spending two and a half years in recovery, he relapsed and died at the age of 22. Lindsey emphasized that he did not want to die but lacked the mental health support he needed.
To further the conversation, ST.O.R.M. will host a “Dine With Us” event on August 31 in Memorial Peace Park. The event will feature tables hosted by local partners including Coast Mental Health, Alouette Addictions, Fraser Health, and the Fraser Valley Addictions and Recovery Hub. Free food will be provided by local vendors Tacosaurus and Rolled West Coast while supplies last. Attendees will be invited to join a table for guided discussions about the toxic drug crisis.
Each table will feature a purple chair representing a life lost in the community. The color purple is widely recognized as a symbol of overdose deaths. The campaign of placing an empty purple chair began with advocacy groups like Moms Stop the Harm, and it has since become a visible reminder of lives cut short by toxic drugs.
Hackett explained that the event aims to welcome everyone without judgment. The goal is to create a safe space for people who use substances, while encouraging safer practices. “We do not shame or stigmatize anyone,” she said. “Everyone deserves a place at the table.”
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ST.O.R.M. will cover the cost of the first 100 tacos and ice creams. After that, guests may still purchase food if supplies run out. The program will begin with a welcome, remarks from guest speakers, and live music by local artist Matt Kennedy.
Hackett continues to seek more voices to share toxic drug crisis stories ahead of the awareness day. Anyone who has lost a loved one is invited to participate, whether through a video, photo, or voice recording. Submissions can be made anonymously if desired. Participants are also encouraged to bring photos of lost loved ones to be placed on chairs during the event.
Community members who wish to take part can contact Hackett directly at jerrica.coordinator@gmail.com. By sharing these stories, ST.O.R.M. hopes to remind people that every empty purple chair represents a life once filled with love, talent, and hope.
