Photo: Nicole Richard/Wax Pencil Imagery

A group of local women who have all lost spouses or children to overdose is raising awareness about B.C.'s OD crisis.

The women, all members of the group Moms Stop The Harm, will take part in International Overdose Awareness Day events in Kerry Park on Aug. 29.

Member Helen Jennens, who herself lost two loved ones to overdose, says there will be music, Naloxone training and a candlelight vigil to honour lives lost to overdose.

The public event gets underway at 7 p.m.

The women recently gathered in Kelowna's Knox Mountain Park for a poignant photo with crosses taken by photographer Nicole Richard with Wax Pencil Imagery.

"These women, except for one, are all residents of Kelowna, two of them have lost spouses to overdose and the rest, children," says Jennens.

"We are trying to create more awareness about the opioid crisis."

International Overdose Awareness Day falls on Aug. 31, and the pedestrian bridge at Kelowna General Hospital will be lit up in purple to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and recognize the grief felt by those who have lost a loved one as a result of drug overdose.