RAFTS Memorial Tribute Begins Today

RAFTS (Recovery Advocates For The Shore) has announced a memorial tribute to those lives lost to opioid overdose in advance of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st.

The tribute will be a display of purple flags at St. Denis Our Lady of Star of the Sea in Manasquan starting today (Aug. 29) and running through Friday (Aug. 31) which is International Overdose Awareness Day.

During the tribute, families, friends and community members are invited to sign a flag in memorial of a loved one lost to an overdose. There is a suggested donation is $20.00, but it is not required.

“These flags are designed to remember each person and intended to provide peace for families so they know they are not alone,” according to RAFTS co-founder Nicole Federici.

St. Denis’s Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel is located at 554 E Main Street in Manasquan and the times to sign and place the flags are 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 31st.

You can also see a memorial tribute at the Wall Municipal Complex located at the corner of Allaire and Bailey's Corner Rd.

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held each year to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death.

RAFTS was founded as a volunteer, grassroots organization to help individuals and families navigate the journey of addiction and recovery. For more information on the support they provide, please visit the RAFTS website.

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