In 2017, my son Justin was involved in setting up Toronto's first safe injection site. He was a strong advocate for safe drug use and always carried clean supplies for his friends. He was non-judgmental towards people who used opioids, even though he himself used stimulants. However, on October 22nd, his friends unknowingly consumed a bad batch of cocaine laced with fentanyl. At that time, there was a lack of knowledge, resources, and support for such situations, and the government did not acknowledge the crisis we were facing. This tragedy inspired me to believe that together, we could make a difference and challenge the stigma surrounding addiction. When I lost my son, fentanyl overdoses were not as common as they are today. The suffering and pain caused by this crisis are now very real for many people. I want to provide a safe environment where individuals can access knowledge, resources, and support, so they know they are not alone. By coming together, we can change the stigma and advocate for government policies that address the issue more effectively. I believe drug dealers and suppliers should face harsher punishments, while addicts should be treated with a focus on mental health rather than receiving a criminal record. I also want to ensure that resources are readily available and accessible to those who need them. Starting a nonprofit is not about getting rich; it is about saving lives. It is my way of healing myself and giving back to a community that unfortunately continues to grow in numbers and needs more support. ... View more

Hello everyone, My name is Tanya Lidstone, and I am excited to introduce myself to this nonprofit group. I am relatively new to running a nonprofit, but thanks to finding Constant Contact, I have finally been able to pursue something I have wanted to do for a long time. I want to take a moment to tell you about the nonprofit I am involved with. It is called "Mom Stop the Harm". This organization holds a very special place in my heart because it stems from a personal experience. I have gone through the unimaginable pain of losing my son, Justin Tyler Joseph Lidstone. His loss turned my life upside down, and I found myself grappling with grief and the need for change. "Mom Stop the Harm" has been instrumental in helping me move forward and find a sense of purpose. It has provided me with the support and understanding I needed during the darkest moments of my life. Through this organization, I have come to realize the importance of changing the stigma surrounding addiction, providing education, and advocating for necessary resources. I firmly believe that we need to push for changes in the laws and systems surrounding addiction, and hold the dealers and suppliers accountable for their actions. One of my favorite aspects of running a nonprofit is the opportunity to support individuals who are struggling with addiction, as well as their loved ones. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to fight for someone you care about, while also fearing that devastating phone call. My goal is to ensure that those who are battling addiction have access to the resources and support they need. By doing so, we can create a community where change is possible and lives can be saved. I believe that by fighting for this cause, I am keeping Justin's legacy alive. It is my way of giving back and honoring his beliefs. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where no one has to experience the pain of burying a child. I forgot to mention that I am new to text savvy and I don't really know what I am doing, but I am devoted and open to learning new techniques. I may not be much of a creator for this cause so close to my hurt, but it brings me closer to feeling like my son, Justin Tyeler Joseph Lidstone, is here. I am committed to keeping his legacy going. Thank you for allowing me to share my story and my passion with all of you. I look forward to working together and making a positive impact in the lives of those affected by addiction. Warm regards, Tanya Lidstone ... View more

  Dear Constant Contact, I am writing to express my deep gratitude for the information and resources your platform provides. I am eager to start a nonprofit organization to contribute to the war on drugs and change the stigma associated with substance abuse. It is my passion to educate and empower individuals to make informed decisions and promote a healthier society. Discovering your platform feels like a godsend to me. The wealth of information and tools you offer is exactly what I have been needing to build a strong foundation for my organization. This opportunity not only allows me to give back and keep my son's belief in this cause alive, but it also provides a way for me to heal personally. I understand that starting a nonprofit organization will require a lot of hard work and dedication. As someone who is starting from scratch and has limited knowledge in this field, I have reservations about whether I have taken on more than I can handle. Additionally, my lack of technical expertise adds another layer of uncertainty. However, the confidence I feel in utilizing your platform gives me hope that I can overcome these challenges and succeed. I am prepared to invest long hours and put in the necessary effort to make a difference in the fight against drugs. I believe that with the support and resources provided by Constant Contact, I will be equipped to navigate the complexities of starting and growing a nonprofit organization. Once again, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the resources you provide. I am confident that with your platform, I can make a significant impact in the lives of individuals affected by drugs and contribute to a society that understands and supports their journey to recovery. Thank you for your commitment to empowering individuals like myself to make a positive change in the world. Sincerely, Tanya  ... View more