PRESS
SOYA 2025 Community Build
Published Feb 25, 2025​
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2024 Medal of Merit honoree - Connie Raynor-Elliott
Published Dec 31, 2024​
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https://saultstemarie.ca/Newsroom/December-2024/2024-Medal-of-Merit-honoree.aspx
SOYA founder receives 2024 Medal of Merit
Published Dec 31, 2024​
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https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/soya-founder-receives-2024-medal-of-merit-10017894#:~:text=Connie%20Raynor-Elliott%20is%20the,issued%20by%20the%20city%20today.
https://www.saultstar.com/news/addictions-worker-recieves-the-2024-medal-of-merit-for-sault-ste-marie
Shoemaker doesn’t support use of special powers to clear encampments, force treatment
Published Nov 3, 2024​
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LETTER: Any talk of forced treatment 'makes my blood boil'
Published Oct 21, 2024​
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Mental health issues causing much of domestic violence in the Sault: murder victim's father
Published Oct 21, 2024​
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Our very own SOYA volunteer finishes his 'walk around the world'
Published June 26, 2024​
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https://www.sootoday.com/prime/local-man-on-a-mission-finishes-walk-around-the-world-9139512
As the intense heat continues, agencies find it hard to keep people hydrated.
Published June 19, 2024​
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Excellent article by Soo Today on the requirement of public toilets in the downtown area
Published June 18, 2024​
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Shadows of the Mind calls it quits, no 2024 festival
Published September 14, 2023
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Rising costs, dwindling volunteer base cited as contributing factors.​
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GALLERY: Agencies gather for addiction recovery celebration
Published September 12, 2023 8:30pm
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The 8th annual Rockin’ Out For Recovery included information tables, live music, and a free barbecue at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion on Tuesday.​
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Sault musicians will ‘sing to save’ SOYA at The Loft
Published September 12, 2023 2:45pm
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‘The needs are only getting greater’: With food insecurity top of mind, Singing to Save coordinator hopes to raise money to replenish the shelves at SOYA’s Gore Street location.​
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Addiction recovery to be celebrated at pavilion this week
Published September 10, 2023
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‘It’s so important to recognize the work, the struggle, and the fight that people are making every day in the battle against addiction’: 8th annual Rockin’ Out For Recovery celebration will include guest speakers, agency tables, live music, and free barbecue on Sept. 12.​
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Remembering loved ones lost: GALLERY
Published August 31, 2023
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International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 at Ronald A.Irwin Civic Centre. Event was organized by Save Our Young Adults.​
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https://www.saultstar.com/gallery/remembering-loved-ones-gallery
International Overdose Awareness Day in the Sault
Published August 31, 2023
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'VIDEO
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Hope and remembrance as Overdose Awareness Day is marked in the Sault
Published August 31, 2023 9:37 p.m. EDT
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'As the opioid-related death rate remains virtually unchanged from the previous year, Mayor Matthew Shoemaker says the mental health and addictions crisis is the foremost challenge in the community
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Opioid death rate in Algoma virtually unchanged from last year
Published August 16, 2023 2:35 p.m. EDT
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'I’m getting fed up,' says SOYA founder Connie Raynor-Elliott, as the Sault continues to wait for a number of addiction services to be completed or approved.
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Sault addiction support group anxiously awaiting for area addiction treatment centre to open
Published August 11, 2023 8:02 p.m. EDT
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Addiction support group Save Our Young Adults (SOYA) is waiting on word regarding the opening of Sault Ste. Marie's residential withdrawal management facility – Northway Wellness Centre. Founder Connie Raynor-Elliott says with overdose deaths continuing to mount, the facility can't open soon enough.
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Homelessness top of mind at vendor show supporting SOYA
Published August 12, 2023 5:17 p.m. EDT
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‘We have all these vacant buildings — do something with them’: Save Our Young Adults founder wants city to consider new ideas to support local homeless population.
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https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/homelessness-top-of-mind-at-vendor-show-supporting-soya-7399944
Increasing number of seniors using food banks
Published April 23, 2023 5:17 p.m. EDT
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While food banks continue to struggle with higher food costs, service providers in Sault Ste. Marie are noticing a growing number of seniors are relying on food donations. However, one such provider says the need among seniors goes beyond food.
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https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/increasing-number-of-seniors-using-food-banks-1.6367730
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Stories of heartache and hope at SOYA's Family Matters event
Apr 21, 2023 10:06 AM
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Three speakers, each with experience living with addiction, offered some hard truths and hope at SOYA’s Family Matters conference, held Tuesday at the Holiday Inn Express.
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Sault mayor pledges to keep advocating for safe consumption site
Kenneth Armstrong
Apr 19, 2023 2:25 PM
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The most recent opioid statistics show the Algoma Public Health Unit has the fourth highest death rate in Ontario.
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Sault residential withdrawal management facility gets a name, on track for summer opening
Mike McDonald
Published April 14, 2023 7:13 p.m. EDT
Sault Ste. Marie's new residential withdrawal management & safe beds facility now has a name. It will be called Northway Wellness Centre, and officials at Sault Area Hospital (SAH) say construction is on track for a summer opening.
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SOYA stuffed bears allowing organization to give back
Kenneth Armstrong
Apr 11, 2023 12:12 PM
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A local front line organization dealing with families affected by drug addiction has taken in a large donation of stuffed bears and created a program to distribute them back to children in the community.
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https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/soya-stuffed-bears-allowing-organization-to-give-back-6833332
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On the road again in support of peace between nations
Kenneth Armstrong
Apr 10, 2023 3:26 PM
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On Monday, Guillaume McMartin set out from Sault Ste. Marie to Winnipeg on the next leg of his cross-continent cycling adventure.
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https://www.sootoday.com/helpers/on-the-road-again-in-support-of-peace-between-nations-6831692
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Public Health Champions Awarded
By Content Team
March 23, 2023 @ 1:40 pm
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Shining a light on those who make our community healthier.
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​https://saultonline.com/2023/03/public-health-champions-awarded/
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SOYA founder Connie Raynor-Elliott, Harvest Algoma hailed as public health champions
Published Mar 23, 2023 • Last updated Mar 24, 2023
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APH award given to individual, organization that have helped protect, promote community health and advance health equity.
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https://www.saultstar.com/news/soya-founder-harvest-algoma-hailed-as-public-health-champions
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Zonta Club recognizes 8 residents for community contributions
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The eight individuals were gifted yellow roses on March 8 in celebration of International Women’s Day and Zonta Rose Day.
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Algoma Public Health holds public forum on addiction crisis at Sault film festival
Mike McDonald
Sunday, February 26, 2023 10:58AM EST
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Public health officials, addictions advocates and recovering addicts say more resources and more dialogue are needed to address the ongoing opioid overdose crisis in northern Ontario. The issue of addiction was the topic of a panel discussion at the Shadows of the Mind Film Festival in Sault Ste. Marie.
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Overdose crisis advocates demand more funding, shorter wait times
Alex Flood
Feb 25, 2023 3:56 PM
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Several community harm reduction and treatment partners came together for an opioid-related panel discussion at the Shadows of the Mind Film Festival on Saturday.
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'Bread angel' helps to feed the Sault's most vulnerable
Kenneth Armstrong
Jan 1, 2023 2:43 PM
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Kathy Humphries believes if everyone did just little, a whole lot could be accomplished in addressing food insecurity in the city.
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https://www.sootoday.com/helpers/bread-angel-helps-to-feed-the-saults-most-vulnerable-6312792
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Everyone deserves a present: SOYA
Kenneth Armstrong
Dec 20, 2022 3:28 PM
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Volunteers have mobilized to ensure even the most vulnerable in the community can open a present and have a warm meal.
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https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/everyone-deserves-a-present-soya-7-photos-6275099
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SOYA receives donation from Soo Jr Greyhounds
Mike McDonald
Published Sunday, December 18, 2022 11:38PM EST
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A big donation from the Soo Junior Greyhounds will help a group in Sault Ste. Marie to clothe and feed the city’s most vulnerable.
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https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/soya-receives-donation-from-soo-jr-greyhounds-1.6200361
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Sault candlelight vigil honours those lost to addiction
Mike McDonald & Dan Bertrand
Published Wednesday, November 30, 2022 2:12PM EST
Last Updated Wednesday, November 30, 2022 2:44PM EST
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A vigil was held Tuesday evening in Sault Ste. Marie to remember those who have lost their lives to addiction.
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https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/sault-candlelight-vigil-honours-those-lost-to-addiction-1.6175321
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Vigil remembers those lost to substance use disorders
Kenneth Armstrong
Nov 30, 2022 7:22 AM
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Eighteen new names were added to the Memorial Wall in advance of Tuesday's event.
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More names to be added to Memorial Wall before candlelight vigil
Kenneth Armstrong
Nov 25, 2022 4:00 PM
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Vandalism at the Memorial Wall at the Civic Centre was cleaned up on Friday.
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The Sault's Save our Young Adults helps the less fortunate celebrate Thanksgiving
Cory Nordstrom
Published Oct. 9, 2022 8:49 a.m. EDT
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For the fourth year, a free turkey feast was given out to people in the Sault that are homeless, or otherwise wouldn't have been able to receive a Thanksgiving meal.
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SOYA celebrates Thanksgiving with free meals
Alex Flood
Oct 8, 2022 3:59 PM
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Volunteers with Save Our Young Adults are serving turkey, stuffing, and all the Thanksgiving favourites to community members in need of a hot meal.
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https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/soya-celebrates-thanksgiving-with-free-meals-5-photos-5931199
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Sault evening of remembrance of those lost to overdose
Cory Nordstrom
Updated Sept. 2, 2022 1:14 p.m. EDT
Published Sept. 2, 2022 1:12 p.m. EDT
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An evening of remembrance took place in Sault Ste. Marie on Wednesday as people across the world marked International Overdose Awareness Day.
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https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/sault-evening-of-remembrance-of-those-lost-to-overdose-1.6053454
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Grieving mothers share stories of loss at Memorial Wall
Kenneth Armstrong
Aug 31, 2022 11:04 PM
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'There are things I would have done differently, but the love was always there. Unfortunately love wasn’t enough'.
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Dozens of overdose victims to be added to Memorial Wall tomorrow
Kenneth Armstrong
Aug 30, 2022 10:28 AM
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This year's International Overdose Awareness Day event starts Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Memorial Wall at the Civic Centre before moving to the Roberta Bondar Pavilion for a free barbecue and information sessions.
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Overdose deaths continue to climb in Algoma District
Kenneth Armstrong
Aug 27, 2022 10:05 PM
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New data from Ontario's Chief Coroner reveals 59 opioid-related deaths during the second year of the pandemic, up from 51 the previous year.
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https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/overdose-deaths-continue-to-climb-in-algoma-district-5748519
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Province providing more than $18 million for Residential Withdrawal Management site
James Hopkin
Apr 25, 2022 12:59 PM
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Construction expected to be complete by December 2022.
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SOYA protests lack of action, transparency on Residential Withdrawal Management site
James Hopkin
Apr 21, 2022 7:50 PM
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Sault MPP Ross Romano says the Ministry of Health is close to announcing final funding for the project. But protesters say shovels need to go in the ground now as people die from substance use on a weekly basis.
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Sault addiction treatment advocates demand answers
Mike McDonald
Published April 21, 2022 7:33 p.m. EDT
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An addiction advocacy group in Sault Ste. Marie wants to know when a promised residential withdrawal management facility will open in the city.
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https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/sault-addiction-treatment-advocates-demand-answers-1.5871261
SOYA holding rally at site of promised Residential Withdrawal Management Facility
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'Our community is in dire need of transitional housing, safe beds to stabilize people until they can leave town'.
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Sault group focused on youth opioid use marks 10 years
Mike McDonald
Published Jan. 15, 2022 5:38 p.m. EST
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SAULT STE. MARIE - As the temperature outside plunged below - 20 C on Saturday, volunteers with the group called Save Our Young Adults (SOYA) were busy preparing hot coffee and lunches for the Sault Ste. Marie's vulnerable population.
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https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/sault-group-focused-on-youth-opioid-use-marks-10-years-1.5741692
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Caring mom answers call to help other people's children
Zaafina Naqvi
Jan 11, 2022 1:52 PM
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Connie 'Mama Bear' Raynor-Elliott continues 10-year journey to fill in the gaps with Save Our Young Adults (SOYAConnie 'Mama Bear' Raynor-Elliott continues 10-year journey to fill in the gaps with Save Our Young Adults (SOYA).
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https://www.sootoday.com/helpers/caring-mom-answers-call-to-help-other-peoples-children-4943243
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Local group to host free Christmas Dinner
By Dan Gray
December 16, 2021 @ 2:58 pm
If you are looking for some Christmas Dinner this Saturday, you are invited to join Saving Our Young Adults for their annual feast.
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https://saultonline.com/2021/12/local-group-to-host-free-christmas-dinner/
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Sault groups that helps those battling opioid addiction is on the move
Mike McDonald
Published Nov. 4, 2021 7:52 p.m. EDT
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SAULT STE. MARIE - A group in Sault Ste. Marie that has been helping people escape opioid addiction for the last decade is on the move. Save Our Young Adults (SOYA) is relocating from its downtown depot to a site the group's founder said will allow them to serve the public better.
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Memorial wall recognizes lives lost to mental health, addictions struggles
James Hopkin
Aug 31, 2021 8:37 PM
SOYA, City of Sault Ste. Marie officially unveil memorial during International Overdose Awareness Day.
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Memorial Wall revealed to the public
By Dan Gray
August 31, 2021 @ 7:04 pm
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Emotions flowed as freely as the spirits which were being remembered this afternoon, steps from the doors of city hall.
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https://saultonline.com/2021/08/memorial_wall_revealed/
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City, advocacy group to honour those lost to opioid epidemic
SooToday Staff
Aug 27, 2021 1:50 PM
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International Overdose Awareness Day to be observed through Memorial Wall unveiling on August 31.
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This parking lot sale is raising funds to help vulnerable community members
James Hopkin
Jul 24, 2021 5:30 PM
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Proceeds from two-day event to help SOYA, Youthomes with ongoing costs.
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SOYA to hold yard sale fundraiser
By Dan Gray
July 23, 2021 @ 11:32 am
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A yard sale Saturday is set to raise money for Saving our Young Adults (SOYA) from prescription drugs.
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https://saultonline.com/2021/07/soya-to-hold-yard-sale-fundraiser/
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Memorial wall to remember addictions victims
Published Jun 01, 2021 • Last updated Jun 01, 2021
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“We hope it will help to bring people together, to support each other,” said Stephanie Poitras, a member of SOYA's committee to build a Memorial Wall.
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https://www.saultstar.com/news/memorial-wall-to-remember-addictions-victims
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Sign of the times: Rally recognizes overdose crisis
James Hopkin
Apr 16, 2019 9:00 PM
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Save Our Young Adults group hosts National Day of Action on the Overdose Crisis event in Sault Ste. Marie.
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https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/sign-of-the-times-rally-recognizes-overdose-crisis-1378365
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Meet the women fighting to save a small city from the opioid crisis
February 14, 2018, 2:49pm
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One woman known as “Mama Bear” spends her spare time trying to rescue young drug users from falling through the cracks.
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