Update: We’ve Reached Our $150,000 Legal Aid Goal—What Comes Next?
Dear Supporters,​
We are overjoyed to share the incredible news that, thanks to your unwavering support, we have officially reached our $150,000 legal aid fundraising goal! This achievement is a major milestone in our ongoing battle for justice, harm reduction, and the rights of drug users. Every donation, share, and expression of solidarity has made this possible, and we cannot thank you enough.
As many of you know, DULF’s co-founders, Eris Nyx and Jeremy Kalicum, were each charged on May 31, 2024, with three counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking under Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). These charges are not just an attack on Eris and Jeremy but on our entire movement’s mission to end the overdose crisis in British Columbia, reduce dependence on the illicit drug supply, and reduce the harms caused by toxic street drugs.
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These legal battles are daunting. The charges carry serious consequences, including the possibility of life sentences or mandatory minimum jail time. But this fight is about more than just defending two individuals; it’s about advocating for the rights and dignity of drug users everywhere. We firmly believe that Eris and Jeremy’s Charter rights—particularly
under Section 7, which guarantees life, liberty, and
security of the person—have been violated by the criminalization of DULF’s lifesaving work.
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Beyond defending against these criminal charges, DULF is also bringing forward a constitutional challenge to Section 5(2) of the CDSA. We argue that this section of the law unjustly criminalizes access to a regulated drug supply—something we know is vital to addressing the overdose crisis. This challenge also asserts that the law discriminates against people with disabilities, as it disproportionately affects those with substance use disorders, forcing them to rely on dangerous, unregulated street drugs.
Reaching the $150,000 goal means that we can now cover the immediate legal expenses necessary to defend Eris and Jeremy, as well as support our constitutional challenge. But while this achievement is monumental, it’s just the beginning.
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As we move forward, 2025 will bring new legal hurdles. We will need to raise additional funds to cover the costs of expert witnesses, legal experts, continued representation, and other expenses tied to this case. Defending Eris and Jeremy in court and pursuing our challenge to the CDSA will require significant resources, and we anticipate that this fight will continue well into the next year.
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That’s why we’re asking for your continued support. Whether through donations, hosting fundraising events, or simply sharing our message with your networks, every action you take helps strengthen our movement. We’ve seen what we can achieve together already—now, let’s build on that momentum as we head into the next phase of this fight.
Thank you for standing with us in solidarity, and for your ongoing dedication to the cause of harm reduction and justice. Together, we’re not just defending two people; we’re fighting for a future where drug policy is driven by compassion, not criminalization.
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In solidarity,
The DULF Team