Overdose Awareness in Fort McMurray

The Purple Chair Project

The Empty Chair: A Symbol of Lives Lost

The Purple Chair represents more than just a seat—it symbolizes the lives taken too soon by overdose, the spaces left empty by those we’ve lost, and the silence that lingers in their absence. It stands as a reminder of the friends, family members, and loved ones who are no longer with us.

The chair is not truly empty—it carries the weight of grief, untold stories, and the struggle against the stigma of addiction.

It sits quietly, waiting for the day when we no longer lose lives to a preventable crisis, reminding us that these lost lives matter, and their memories must push us to action.

This dark, solemn symbol serves as a call for awareness and change. The Purple Chair Project seeks to fill that chair with love, remembrance, and advocacy, to ensure that no more chairs go empty because of overdose.

The Purple Chair Project

At The Purple Chair Project, we are driven by one simple yet powerful belief: life won’t wait, and tomorrow is too late. Addiction and overdose have devastated families, taken lives, and left a lasting impact on communities like Fort McMurray. We refuse to stand by in silence. Our mission is to raise awareness about the overdose crisis, offer support to those affected by addiction, and break the stigma that keeps so many suffering alone. Together, we can create a compassionate, informed community where no one faces addiction in the dark.

The overdose crisis has devastated communities across the world, and Fort McMurray is no exception. In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in overdose deaths, impacting individuals from all walks of life.

These aren't just numbers—they are our neighbors, friends, and family members.

The Purple Chair Project was created to bring attention to this crisis, offering a local response to a global issue. We focus on education, remembrance, and support. By fostering conversations about addiction and overdose, we aim to break down the stigma that prevents so many from seeking the help they need.

In Fort McMurray, where services and resources are often limited, raising awareness and educating our community is essential. The Purple Chair Project is here to fill that gap, offering support and action to prevent more lives from being lost.

Breaking the Silence: Ending the Stigma Around Addiction

We believe it’s time to stop whispering about addiction and start having open, honest conversations about it. Addiction doesn’t discriminate, and too often, the people who need support the most are the ones shamed into silence. We want to change that. Through our efforts, we aim to end the stigma and create a compassionate, informed community where no one has to suffer alone.

We want to bring addiction out of the shadows and into the light. Our awareness campaigns are about more than just statistics—they are about stories. We share real stories from those who have been impacted by overdose, helping to humanize the issue and open people’s eyes to the fact that addiction is a disease, not a choice. Whether it’s through community events, social media campaigns, or in-person conversations, we are spreading the message that it’s okay to talk about addiction. The more we talk about it, the more we can end the stigma that surrounds it.

Awareness Campaigns: From Shadows to Light

The journey to breaking the stigma starts with awareness. Our awareness campaigns are about more than just numbers—they are about stories. Every overdose is not just a statistic but a life, a family, a community impacted. We share real stories of those who have been affected by overdose to humanize the issue and open eyes to the fact that addiction is a disease, not a choice. Whether it’s through community events, social media outreach, or in-person conversations, The Purple Chair Project is spreading the message that it’s okay to talk about addiction. The more we talk, the more we can break the stigma and bring addiction out of the shadows.

  • End Stigma.

  • Love Prevails.

  • Save Lives.

  • Honor Lives.

  • Fight Addiction.

  • Together We Can.

  • Remember Always.

Every effort counts. Whether it’s sharing our message, attending events, or making a donation, your involvement helps save lives and break the stigma surrounding addiction. Together, we can build a community where no one is left behind.

Your donations fund awareness campaigns, distribute life-saving resources like naloxone, and support community events that educate and provide assistance to those affected by addiction. Every contribution brings us one step closer to ending this crisis.