Moms Stop the Harm set up ‘Silent Night Memorial Tree’ in Kamloops

KAMLOOPS — Eight lives in Kamloops were lost in October due to illicit drugs. According to the latest data provided by the B.C. Coroners Service, Kamloops has 74 total deaths in 2022 due to the toxic drug supply. Kamloops set a yearly record with 77 overdose deaths in 2021. At the 10-month mark of 2022, Kamloops is already experiencing its second deadliest year and is on pace for 89 by year’s end.

In remembrance of those lost to the illicit drug crisis, Moms Stop the Harm has set up a memorial tree at Northhills Mall. The tree is decorated with the photos and names of more than 50 Kamloops residents who have been lost to the toxic drug supply. Troylana Manson placed an ornament with a picture of her son Aaron on the tree for the second year.

“This year putting it up was a little kinder for me. I know that there were a couple of people here at the time when we set it up on the weekend, and they were nervous, too. It was new for them. I know that feeling. But, to see my son up there and know the work that Moms Stop the Harm is doing is helping with my grief,” said Manson.

According to Manson, the tree helps bring awareness to the ongoing epidemic while also allowing families to grieve and heal together. Whether or not individuals have been impacted by the drug crisis, the tree will provide all who pass it a chance to reflect.

“If you’re walking by and you notice all those faces on there, you are probably wondering why. And so if you look at the information table or even the information pamphlet behind the tree, you will see that all of these people have been lost to substance use. So, if it hasn’t affected you personally yet, just walking by the tree and seeing all those faces from the Kamloops area we have lost,” said Manson.