Together for Safer Homes: Mobilizing Families and Communities in 2025
For over a decade, Substance (formerly Drug Free Kids Canada) has inspired Canadians through bold national campaigns—raising awareness, sparking real conversations, and empowering caregivers to confidently support their kids.
In 2025, we’re taking this commitment further with the launch of Together for Safer Homes — an ambitious initiative that harnesses the power of partnership and collective action to maximize our impact and drive lasting change.
Why it matters
The back-to-school season is a time of excitement, but also one of stress and anxiety for many kids. For some, this can increase the risk of turning to substances as a coping mechanism. Together for Safer Homes responds to this challenge by raising awareness, limiting access to unprescribed medications, and equipping families with practical resources to keep their homes safe.
At its heart, the campaign is about creating supportive home environments where kids can thrive—places where open conversations are encouraged, resilience is built, and families feel confident in guiding their children through life’s challenges.
A Collective Effort
What makes this campaign different is its focus on collaboration. By bringing together families, first-responders, corporate sponsors, and media partners, we’re strengthening communities and amplifying impact. This year, we’re expanding our reach to Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, engaging local partners to spread the word and provide families with the tools they need. Together, we can spark conversations that change lives and build a healthier future for Canada’s youth.
Our Partners
Substance is thrilled to partner again in 2025 with Rexall, Health Products Stewardship Association and Innovative Medicines Canada to amplify our message, and to engage families across the country in this important conversation.
“Rexall is proud to stand alongside Substance in the Together for Safer Homes initiative. Taking care of Canada’s health extends beyond the counter. Through our year-round medication takeback program and partnerships like this, Rexall is dedicated to building healthier and safer communities across the country.” Nicolas Caprio, President, Rexall
How you can participate in Together for Safer Homes:
Empty all dry medication such as pills and tablets into a clear bag, keeping all liquids, creams, and inhalers in their original vials, and remove all personal identification. Then return these to a local Rexall Pharmacy, or any other participating pharmacy using HPSA’s Collection Location Finder.
Join Us
The Together for Safer Homes campaign runs from September 15–19, 2025, and we invite families, partners, and community leaders to be part of this nationwide effort. By working together, we can create safer homes, protect our youth, and ensure that every child has the chance to thrive.
Together, we can protect our youth, our communities and our environment.
