Community marks International Black Balloon Day Residents in Steinbach recently gathered at the Adult and Teen Challenge (ATC) facility to remember lives lost to overdose and to bring awareness to the ongoing struggles of addiction during Black Balloon Day, March 6, an international day of remembrance. The local event, organized by ATC, brought together community members, families, and support workers to release black balloons and reflect on the impact of addiction on individuals and families. “Black Balloon Day is about overdose awareness,” said Merle Plett, a community support worker with Adult & Teen Challenge Steinbach. “It’s to honour those who have passed away from overdose, honouring them, honouring their families, and acknowledging the struggle of addiction in people’s lives.” Remembering lives and their stories Participants gathered to release black balloons as a symbol of remembrance and to observe a moment of silence for those who have died due to overdose. Plett said the event also served as a reminder that addiction often happens quietly and affects people from every background. “There’s a crisis,” Plett explained. “It’s really increased over the years. People battling addiction, and it affects every demographic of people.” She added that many people struggle privately, making events like this important for raising awareness and encouraging open conversation. “A lot of people are struggling in silence. A lot of people are struggling in isolation,” she said. “Our goal is to shine light on this and acknowledge it, because there’s so much stigma, shame, and pain associated with addiction.” A Tree of Hope This year’s event included a unique and meaningful addition, a hand-painted “Tree of Hope.” Plett said a local artist created a barn-board sign featuring a tree where attendees could place green sticky leaves with positive memories or characteristics of loved ones they were remembering. “The idea was to release a balloon in honour of someone, but also to go through a small healing practice,” Plett said. “People could write down a positive characteristic about the person they loved, something they remember about them.” She said the activity helped shift focus away from addiction alone and back to the person behind the struggle. “A lot of the time we remember just the addiction,” Plett said. “But these people have stories. They’ve got really strong, good characteristics, too. It was really beautiful to see people step up and write on the leaves and place them on the board.” Breaking the silence around addiction Plett hopes the event encourages more open conversation about addiction and the challenges families face when a loved one is struggling. “People can be angry sometimes and say, ‘Why don’t they just stop using? Why don’t they get help?” she said. “But there are so many layers to the pain underneath. It’s not a quick, easy fix.” She said families often carry their own fears and uncertainties, especially when navigating difficult issues like boundaries, enabling, and support. “One of the best things that can happen for a family is for the family itself to get help,” Plett said. “When families get healthier, the chances of their loved one getting healthier rise exponentially.” A message of hope While the black balloons symbolize grief and loss, organizers say the day is also meant to remind people that help and hope are available. “Our heart’s desire is that people would step into the beautiful waters of getting help,” Plett said. “Don’t wait for your loved one to lead the way. Families can lead the way with hope and belief, and that can influence their loved one in a powerful way.” The gathering in Steinbach marked the second year the local Adult & Teen Challenge team has organized the event, with organizers hoping the community conversation around addiction continues to grow.