When Joeriaknits began in 2021, I pledged to bring awareness to the addiction crisis in Canada, as well as donate 20% of the profits to a charity that helps those affected by addiction. This year, I am donating $1,500 to the Salvation Army’s Nine Stories of Hope for their tireless work helping addicts in Vancouver's downtown Eastside. I am grateful to everyone who supported Joeriaknits in 2022 by purchasing items from our shop, which made this donation possible.
In addition, in November 2022, I launched the Beginner’s Knit Kit to help new knitters start and fall in love with knitting. 100% of the proceeds is being donated to the Cedars Society at Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island, B.C. This year, I am donating $136 from the sale of two kits. There are still six kits left, so please support this fundraising and purchase a kit for your child or friend who is new to knitting.
Every year, I am astounded at the number of apparent opioid toxicity deaths in Canada. During 2021, there were a total of 7,169 deaths from opioid overdose in Canada, 2,262 of which occurred in British Columbia and 2,425 in Ontario. In 2021, around 29 percent of opioid overdose deaths in Canada involved people aged 30 to 39 years. Approximately 94% of opioid overdose deaths happen by accident, especially with young adults aged 15 to 24. There were a total of 32,632 apparent opioid toxicity deaths between January 2016 and June 2022. Wow! These statistics are not just numbers; they are someone's children.
Detox, drug rehab, and aftercare support are the best approaches to treating opioid addiction and dependency. Unfortunately, many parts of Canada are relying on harm reduction. While it may reduce some social harms, it does not adequately provide people access to drug rehabilitation.
There are many people struggling with addiction, and they need our help. Addiction can be devastating for individuals and families, but there is hope. Recovery is possible, and we must support those who are fighting this battle. Let's work together to raise awareness of addiction in Canada, so that we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease.
If you are interested in learning more about why I am so passionate about addiction recovery, please read my blog post from last year called Nine Stories of Hope.
There is hope, One Day at A Time!
My sincerest gratitude to everyone and wishing you an amazing new year!
Yvonne