The colour of the bridge has a certain meaning that has and will continue to help bring awareness to mental health. 

 The bridge is now called Airdrie Hope for Healing.  

Cheryl Bollock, who is one of the women in charge of painting the bridge and making August 31 Airdrie International Overdose Awareness Day, says there is a reason why it was painted purple. 

“For those who aren't aware of the meaning of the colour purple, it's the awareness colour for opioid addiction. Silver is the awareness colour for drug overdose so we also have a silver ribbon painted on the bridge."

Cheryl Bollock, Julie Hazelwanter, and Kim Risler spent one of their days painting the bridge purple because it has a special meaning for them. 

“I lost my son Jacob when he was 19 years old to an accidental fentanyl overdose. Julie had lost her son three years ago as well to an accidental fentanyl overdose. Kim had lost several members throughout the years to numerous different substances.” 

 Bullock went on to say that the main goal of the bridge is to help raise awareness. 

“We've had a lot of support with people who’ve messaged me about the bridge and saying that it was a wonderful idea. It's opening up communication. Whether it's people with their kids asking why is this bridge purple and they explain to them. We really wanted mental health to be talked about and spoken about and to end the stigma associated with mental health as well as addiction.” 

Bullock also mentioned that she feels like there’s not a lot of support out there for people, especially young people, but for anyone suffering from mental health. 

“We wanted that to be spoken about and not have people feeling upset or embarrassed to say that they're suffering from mental health.” 

Airdrie City Hall has also added their own little touch for Airdrie International Awareness Day by lighting up City Hall with purple lights from 4 pm to 4 am. 

  

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