Community Events & Gatherings

At the Tri-Cities Community Action Team, we believe in being present, building connections, and showing up where it matters most. While we don’t always monitor this page for day-to-day schedule changes, you can find the core rhythms of our work and our major annual gatherings right here.

Want the latest real-time updates? Give us a follow on our social media pages!

1. Monthly Member Meetings

When: Every third Friday of the month | 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Where: Online (Zoom)

Our monthly meetings are an open invitation to anyone wanting to pull up a chair, connect, and collaborate on local solutions. We bring together service providers, neighbors, and people with lived and living experience to hold space for updates and team action.

What We Cover:

• Mission in Action: A presentation on how our team is currently working on the ground to combat the toxic drug crisis.
• Local Landscape: Key updates on regional trends, insights, and data affecting the Tri-Cities.
• TC CAT Updates: The latest news, project developments, and strategic directions from the team.
• Member Roundtable: A dedicated space for you. Please bring your own organizational updates, upcoming events, relevant news, or specific “asks” for the group.
• Resource Sharing: As always, our meeting notes will include an abundance of updated resources and opportunities to support your work.

📬 How to join: Everyone is welcome. Send a quick email to info@tri-citiescat.ca to introduce yourself and get the online Zoom link for our next meeting.

2. Our Major Annual Events

These are our anchor points throughout the year. Because dates and logistics can shift slightly, please keep an eye on our social media channels as these months approach for specific times and locations.

• March: Black Balloon Day: A virtual day of remembrance to honor the loved ones we have lost to the toxic drug crisis. We mark this month with a dedicated social media memorial campaign.
• April 14th: Toxic Drug Crisis Anniversary: Marking the anniversary of the public health emergency declaration. We gather at Lafarge Lake for a solemn memorial walk, a display of purple flags, and a resource fair to support the living.
• August 31st: International Overdose Awareness Day: Hosted at Town Centre Park, this vital day blends community art, sacred space for remembrance, and a gathering of local service providers to build connections and reduce stigma.
• November: Men’s Health Collective Wellness Forum: A dedicated space focused on men’s health, stigma reduction, and bringing together diverse wellness resources for all aspects of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

3. Out and About in the Tri-Cities

Throughout the year, TC CAT hits the ground to support local festivals, schools, and partner initiatives. Rather than tracking dates that change, here is a snapshot of the types of community spaces we regularly show up for:

• Youth Connection & Education: You’ll frequently find us at local high schools (like Charles Best and Pinetree Secondary) running youth resource fairs, engagement events, and workshops focused on mental health vulnerability and substance use.
• Community Presence & Festivals: We love setting up booths at local celebrations like the Port Coquitlam May Days Parade, Mikey’s Run, and local Pride events in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody to chat with neighbors and reduce stigma.
• Seniors & Regional Collaboration: We partner with groups like the Tri-Cities Senior Action Society and connect with regional networks at events like Recovery Day BC to ensure low-barrier support reaches every age group.
• Seasonal Resource Drives: In the fall and winter, we pivot to direct community action, including our “Socktober” donation drives, the Port Coquitlam Memorial Christmas Tree, and winter gifting campaigns for local peers and seniors.

Invite Us to Your Event!

Do you have an upcoming community event, resource fair, or gathering where you think TC CAT would be a great fit? We would love to hear from you.

• Naloxone Training & Presentations: We are always open to delivering life-saving Naloxone training and community harm reduction presentations upon request.

📬 Connect with us: To invite our team or request a presentation/training session, reach out anytime at info@tri-citiescat.ca.