News Release                                                

                                                    For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                     February 4, 2008

Thinking about quitting smoking?

If you answered yes to the above question, you’re not the only one. Last year, more than 26,000 Ontarians registered for The Driven to Quit Challenge hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society. This year it could be you!

The Driven to Quit Challenge allows smokers to trade in their cigarettes for the chance to win a brand new 2008 Toyota Prius hybrid car or one of seven $3,000 Future Shop gift cards!

Take it from Krista Dwyer of Windsor who was successfully smoke-free for the month of March in the 2007 Driven to Quit Challenge and, as the grand prizewinner, got to drive home a 2007 Acura CSX. “I was trying to think of different ways to quit smoking and my mom suggested that I join the Driven to Quit Challenge. The Challenge is a really wonderful program if you are quitting smoking for your own health; the Challenge just adds that extra incentive. It really does!”

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

Al Serpa of London, last year’s regional winner, took the Challenge and went home with a new Sony 32” Widescreen LCD HDTV!

“It doesn’t matter how tempting it is (to start smoking again), walk away.  Do something else to distract yourself.  All it takes is one cigarette,” says Serpa.

The moment you quit smoking, you begin to lower your risk of getting a tobacco-related illness and begin to improve your overall health. Benefits begin as soon as 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. 

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Attachment: Driven to Quit Challenge - Fact Sheet

For more information:

Charlene Giilck

Youth Advisor-Tobacco Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit         

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 475

Bonnie Kriz
Senior Coordinator, Smokers' Helpline
Canadian Cancer Society, Southwestern Region
Phone: 519-432-1137 
Email: bkriz@ontario.cancer.ca