Two local nonprofits to host Candlelight Vigil and Overdose Awareness Event in Aurora Aug. 29

A time to remember. A time to act.

Local communities in Kane County and around the world are coming together in August to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose.

Observed on the 31st of August every year, International Overdose Awareness Day seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.

Two nonprofits, Breaking Free and Chris Walk Against Substance Abuse, are coming together to join thousands of people around the world in raising overdose awareness and reducing its stigma.

Breaking Free in Aurora is a nonprofit agency committed to helping individuals make positive decisions for themselves and their families.

Chris Walk Against Substance Abuse is a 501(c)3 certified nonprofit organization established in 2007 for support of those addicted, and their families who are experiencing substance abuse issues. It is named for Chris Foley who died of a heroin overdose in St. Charles.

Join an overdose awareness event and candlelight vigil from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at Simmons Park, 1201 E. Indian Trail in Aurora.

Guest speakers include Aurora Deputy Mayor Chuck Nelson, Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain, Kane County Coroner Rob Russell, Breaking Free Clinical Director Herb Stricklin, as well as recovery remarks made by Karen & Cody.

Bring a picture of your loved one to share during the candlelight service.

By holding an event this year, the people of Kane County are joining themselves to a global movement for understanding, compassion, and change.

According to the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime's most recent World Annual Drug Report, 585,000 people around the world died as a result of drug use in 2017.

For more on Chris Walk Against Substance Abuse, visit chriswalk.net.

For information on Breaking Free, visit www.breakingfreeinc.org.