International Overdose Awareness Day
31 August
Over ten thousand origami cranes have been folded by Tasmanians in 2019 and 2020 to raise awareness of the risks of overdose, commemorating International Overdose Awareness Day.
View the mosaicSENBAZURU is the art of folding 1,000 paper cranes. It is said that if you fold 1,000 paper cranes and make a wish, it will come true.
The ATDC is calling on members of the Tasmanian community to help fold Japanese cranes and to share tributes to remember Tasmanians lost to overdose and wish for a community free from the harm of overdose.
Drug overdose continues to impact Tasmanians of all backgrounds – with more than one person lost every week to overdose across Tasmania.
In 2019 we asked the Tasmanian community to fold one thousand cranes – you folded four-thousand two-hundred and thirty-nine!
All 4,239 cranes were displayed together at the Waterside Pavilion in Hobart. With a number of cranes displayed in hand-made wooden frames, these cranes have been on display at ATDC member organisations state-wide, alongside information on the project and the risks of overdose.
In 2020 we again invite you to join us in folding origami cranes for International Overdose Awareness Day. However this year we are doing things a bit differently – instead of sending all your origami cranes to us, all you need to do is take a photo! Each photo depicting a single origami crane will become part of a larger digital artwork to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day 2020.
This year we’d also like you to share what Overdose Day means to you. In remembrance of those who have lost their lives or been injured, we invite you to submit a tribute along with your origami crane.
Go to the International Overdose Awareness Day website for more information about the global campaign to end overdose.
Contribute
Crane and tribute submissions have now closed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make an origami crane? See here for instructions. You can also find many videos online. If you’re stuck or would like a virtual demonstration, contact katie@atdc.org.au.
What can I use to make an origami crane? Origami paper is the easiest to fold, however if you don’t have any, all you need is a flat, foldable square. You can try things such as copy paper, newspaper, wrapping paper, fabric, thin plastic, cellophane or even fabric.
Where can I get origami paper? You can buy paper from many retailers around Tasmania or online, look for stationery, art supplies or even discount stores. The ATDC can provide you with paper to build one (or 100!) cranes – contact katie@atdc.org.au.
How do I submit my crane? Take a photo of your crane and send the photo to us using the form on this page.
What do I do with my crane? For now, keep it! You can display your crane(s) in your home or workplace to share the word about International Overdose Awareness Day. Have you displayed your cranes in a creative way? Share your ideas with us!
Where can I see the finished cranes? The ATDC will launch an online display of cranes on International Overdose Awareness Day, Monday 31 August 2020. Follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our eNews to see updates on cranes as they are submitted.
How much time do I have? All crane photos need to be submitted by 5pm on Friday, 14 August 2020. EXTENDED to Tuesday 18 August.
Tribute submissions have been extended to Monday 31 August
How do I share a tribute? You can use the form on this page, email katie@atdc.org.au or message us on Facebook @ATDCtas. If you would like to submit your tribute in another way, contact us.
What can I include in my tribute? Your tribute can be in many different forms, whether it be for one person or the whole community. Things you can share include (but are not limited to) poems, song lyrics, photos, stories or anecdotes. You may also like to write your tribute on your paper before you fold it into a crane.
What will happen to my tribute? Your tribute will be collated with other tributes in a memorial to all those affected by overdose, and shared along with the online display of cranes on International Overdose Awareness Day Monday 31 August 2020. Depending on the medium of your tribute, your tribute may also appear in printed resources. Tribute submissions have been extended to Monday 31 August – tributes submitted close to the deadline may not be published on Overdose Day, however will be published online as soon as possible.
Are you looking for help and support services for alcohol, tobacco or other drugs in Tasmania?
Questions?
For more information on International Overdose Awareness Day or any of our other projects and activities, please get in touch!
Contact the ATDC
