News Release                                               For Immediate Release

November 19, 2008

Bagging for Charity: MADD wants shoppers to “Tie One On” this Saturday

Saturday’s shopping list: milk, eggs, butter, and most important, a red ribbon!

Members and volunteers of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Grey North Bruce Chapter will be bagging groceries, accepting voluntary donations, and handing out red ribbons at area grocery stores on Saturday, November 22, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

MADD Canada’s Project Red Ribbon campaign is designed to combat drinking and driving during the holidays. MADD asks for the public’s support by tying a ribbon to the car antenna, side mirror, or other visible location on their vehicle or keychain. The MADD ribbon is a symbol of a person’s commitment to drive safe and sober during the holiday season and throughout the year. The ribbon also serves as a reminder to other motorists to drive sober.

The funds raised during Project Red Ribbon also support the very important work of the local MADD chapter including:

• helping victims of impaired driving crashes find appropriate support services in the community
• providing presentations to local schools
• partnering with and funding community groups that wish to hold an event related to drinking and driving education
• 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
• monitoring court proceedings and lobbying for changes in laws around impaired driving offenses

On average each day, four Canadians are killed and 187 others are injured due to alcohol and drug-related crashes. Approximately 70,000 Canadians are impacted by impaired drivers annually. MADD Canada works every day to reduce these numbers.

“MADD is not only committed to preventing injuries and saving lives, but to helping victims of this violent crime,” says Danielle Court, Public Health Nurse and MADD Grey North Bruce Member. “Tying a red ribbon to your vehicle is not just reminder of your personal commitment to drive sober; it also serves as a reminder to everyone of their duty to call 911 if they suspect an impaired driver.”

Plan to shop at one of the following stores on Saturday, November 22, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to receive your red ribbon and show your support for MADD:

• Owen Sound – Zehrs
• Meaford – Bill’s Valu-mart                                                                                      
• Wiarton – Solway’s Food Market
• Hanover – Food Basics

The Project Red Ribbon Campaign takes place across Canada from November 1, 2008, to January 5, 2009.

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Attachments: Media Photo/Interview Opportunity Tie One On Poster 

For more information:

Danielle Court

Public Health Nurse               

Grey Bruce Health Unit                                                         

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1467

d.court@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca