News Release                                                

                                                   For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                   February 20, 2009

The Driven to Quit Challenge

If you are thinking about quitting smoking, you are not the only one. Last year, 437 residents in Grey Bruce were among more than 26,600 Ontarians registered for The Driven to Quit Challenge hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society. This can be your year to quit. You only have until February 28 to register.

The Driven to Quit Challenge allows smokers who quit for the month of March a chance to win a brand new 2009 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid car, one of two $5,000 vacation get-aways from Carlson Wagonlit Travel or one of seven regional prizes of a $2,000 Canadian Tire gift card!

Dianna Watson of Copper Cliff went smoke-free for the month of March in the 2008 Driven to Quit Challenge and was the grand prize winner of a 2008 Toyota Prius hybrid car. “I’ve been smoking for more than 30 years and have tried to quit many times. The Driven to Quit Challenge proved to be the motivation I needed to stop smoking,” said Watson.

Quitting smoking is a personal decision, it is not easy, but you can do it! So, why not challenge yourself to be smoke-free? To have the best chance of success, you need to know what you are up against, your options, and where to go for help. After joining The Driven to Quit Challenge, you can contact Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 or online at www.smokershelpline.ca for additional support and helpful tips.

As soon as you quit smoking, you begin to lower your risk of getting a tobacco-related illness and begin to improve your overall health. Health benefits begin 20 minutes after you have your last cigarette and continue for a lifetime.

For contest details or to register for The Driven to Quit Challenge, visit www.driventoquit.ca or call the Canadian Cancer Society Smokers’ Helpline toll-free at

1-877-513-5333. You have until February 28 to register.

- 30 -

Attachments: Driven to Quit Challenge Fact Sheet

For more information:

Jason Cranny

Tobacco Education

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1471