Attention News Editor:

News Release                   For Immediate Release

October 30, 2006

Bagging for Charity: Local MADD Chapter Reminding

Shoppers to “Tie One On”

Ready, set, bag!  Members and volunteers of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Grey North Bruce Chapter will be bagging groceries for voluntary donations and handing out red ribbons at various grocery store locations in the area on Saturday, November 4^th from 11am-2pm.  This is a way of supporting the chapter’s work and promoting their annual Red Ribbon campaign message.

November marks the start of MADD’s Project Red Ribbon-Tie One On For Safety campaign, designed to combat drinking and driving during the holidays.  Red ribbons are tied on to a vehicle antenna, side mirror or other visible location on the vehicle to symbolize a person’s commitment to drive safe and sober.  It also serves as a reminder to other motorists to drive sober.  “But the campaign actually does much more than that,” says Sandy Rennick, Public Health Nurse and member of the local MADD chapter, “The funds raised also support the very important work that the local MADD chapter does year-round.”   Some of that work includes:

à        helping victims of impaired driving crashes find appropriate support services in the community

à        providing presentations to local schools

à        partnering with and funding  community groups that wish to hold an event related to drinking & driving education

à        providing funding to local police for programs that can help both decrease the incidence of impaired driving and increase the ease with which the police can enforce the laws

à        monitoring court proceedings and lobbying for changes in laws around impaired driving offenses

On average, four Canadians are killed every day and 192 Canadians are injured each day due to impaired driving.  Approximately 70,000 Canadians are impacted by impaired drivers annually.  MADD Canada works to change these numbers each and every day.  “MADD Canada is focused on saving lives and preventing injuries,” says Rennick. “This campaign can help increase awareness during the holiday season by changing the meaning of ‘Tie One On’”, she explained.  Plan to shop at one of the following stores on Saturday, November 4^th between 11am and 2pm to show your support of MADD: In Owen Sound – Zehrs; in Meaford – Bill’s Valumart; in Wiarton – Solway’s Food Market; in Hanover – Food Basics.

-30-

Attachments: Media Photo/Interview Opportunity

For more information:

Sandy Rennick, Public Health Nurse                        

Project Red Ribbon Coordinator                                           

MADD-Grey North Bruce Chapter                                                   

519-376-9420 ext. 411