Canadians impacted by opioid crisis seek support through GoFundMe

The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities and families across Canada, and the increasingly dire situation has spurred a rise in GoFundMe campaigns. From 2019 to 2023, approximately 645 GoFundMe campaigns were created to support Canadians who have been impacted by this epidemic.

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Communities supporting each other in times of need

The GoFundMe community has come together to support Canadians in need, with over $613,790 CAD raised on the platform to support Canadians impacted by the opioid crisis. These GoFundMe campaigns have provided much-needed financial assistance to Canadians struggling to afford treatment for opioid addiction. In some cases, these campaigns have also helped families cover funeral costs for loved ones lost to the opioid crisis.

Harnessing the power of community

As the opioid epidemic intensifies across the nation, people are uniting to support each other. These campaigns stand out as receiving significant support from the GoFundMe community, calling attention to the heartbreaking impact of the opioid crisis.

Ben’s Law: Human Right to Addiction Free Life

Tina Olivero created a GoFundMe campaign after her son, Ben, lost his life from the opioid crisis. Tina has now established an organization called Guardians Of Recovery,which provides resources for parents and youth struggling with addiction. A committed community advocate, Tina now uses her platform to call for enhanced support for young people across Canada. All donations to Tina’s campaign go towards supporting her initiative, which includes funding programs and healing homes for young people struggling with addiction.

Canada’s 1st addictions treatment for LGBTQ2SIAA

Steven Archambault, founder of Stonewall Recovery in Calgary, Alberta, set up a GoFundMe campaign to support building Canada’s first residential treatment centre for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Steven and fellow co-founder, Brittney Sawyer, established Stonewall Recovery Centre to provide specialized treatment programs and enhanced community partnerships at both the local and national level. The donations are going towards developing in-house treatment options along with maintaining online services.

Support Paul Shingler on his Road to Recovery

Genevieve Carolan created this GoFundMe campaign for her friends Dave and Kim, as they support Dave’s brother, Paul, with his recovery and rehabilitation. Paul was nearing 200 days sober when he relapsed and fell into a coma that left him with severe brain damage. Kim and Dave are using the money raised to support Paul, who’s working to regain mobility and cognitive function.

 

Help make “Curtis’ Dream” a reality

Trevor Tablotney set up this GoFundMe campaign in honour of his brother, Curtis, who passed away from his battle with addiction. All funds raised go towards repairing one of Curtis’s favourite cars and using it to raise awareness around the opioid crisis. Once repaired, the car will be used as a conversation piece to educate youth about the dangers of opioids — while also distributing vital harm reduction information, Narcan and drug testing supplies

In memory of Natasha Joy Louis and her son Elijah

Rebecca Astles, Special Constable with Durham Regional Police Service, set up her GoFundMe campaign after losing her sister, Natasha, to the opioid crisis. Rebecca’s mother, Shareen, raised Natasha’s son for four years prior to Natasha passing away. Now retired from a lifelong career of childcare, Shareen is using the funds donated to support with child expenses to help take care of her grandson.

Fundraisers for those seeking support from the opioid crisis

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