News Release                            For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                     February 23, 2012

Never too late to quit, but chance to win expires Wednesday

Driven to Quit Challenge registration closes at end of month

There is still time to join the more than 300 people in Grey Bruce who have entered the Driven to Quit Challenge. While it is never too late to quit smoking, it is down to the wire for Grey Bruce residents to trade in the addiction for the chance to win a prize. The deadline to register for The Driven to Quit Challenge is Wednesday, February 29, 2012.

As of February 13, the Grey Bruce region had 306 entries. At the same time last year, this region had 267 entrants. That is an increase of over 14 percent.

The Driven to Quit Challenge offers adult Ontario tobacco users the opportunity to quit smoking for their chance to win their choice of a new Ford Fusion hybrid or Ford Edge. Other prizes include a $5,000 vacation getaway or $2,000 in spending cash. Entrants must stay smoke-free for the month of March. Prizewinners are randomly drawn April 1. 

“Whether you are renewing a New Year’s resolution, or are thinking of making a quit attempt, The Driven to Quit Challenge is a great opportunity to have some extra incentive to give up tobacco,” says Angela Newman at the Grey Bruce Health Unit. “After a month of quitting smoking, your circulation improves, lung functioning may increase and you’ve made a great start on your tobacco-free journey.”

Go to www.DrivenToQuit.ca to register and for details about The Driven to Quit Challenge, or call the Canadian Cancer Society Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333.

Angela Newman, Grey Bruce Health Unit Tobacco Program Manager and Geoff Van Geem, Manager Bluewater Unit Canadian Cancer Society, pose with Grand Prize Ford Edge from the Driven To Quit tobacco cessation challenge.

For more information:

Angela Newman

Manager, Tobacco Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext.1252

a.newman@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca