Plan Ahead to Get Home Safe

The Nova Scotia Liquor Commission has announced the 2nd Annual Plan Ahead to Get Home Safe Program. This program is aimed at increasing the awareness and responsibility of alcohol beverage consumers by reminding them of loved ones waiting at home. An integral component of the program is the Colourful Messages from Someone Special campaign.

In the fall of 1997, Kim Robbins, a liquor commission store manager, and RCMP Const. Tony Perry spearheaded a similar campaign. Students in local elementary schools received plain liquor commission paper bags. The students drew colourful messages on the bags with pictures and slogans relating to responsible use of alcohol. The bags were picked up and distributed to the local liquor commission outlet to be used for beverage alcohol purchases. The children showed great enthusiasm for this project and the public response was positive. Most commented on the unique method of sending out the message of responsible use.

In 1998, the liquor commission expanded the program to encompass all school boards across the province, with 188 schools participating in this campaign. This program gives the schools an authentic learning opportunity as the students openly discuss substance abuse and real-life decision making. The topic can be integrated into the health curriculum, which covers personal development and relationships. The program heightens awareness around the holiday season and hopefully increases discussion in the home and in the community.

In 1999, there are more than 500 classes participating in the Colourful Messages from Someone Special campaign. In conjunction with this campaign, liquor commission retail outlets will display Plan Ahead to Get Home Safe...Someone Special is Waiting posters. Also, program-related buttons will be worn by staff during the month of December. And, perhaps most importantly, the bags themselves will be used in liquor commission stores on Saturday, Dec. 18.

The RCMP continues to co-sponsor this campaign with the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission. The RCMP provides educational support about the program to students enrolled in grades 4-8.

The liquor commission offered participating classes a chance to win one of three computer packages. Computers were donated to the liquor commission by ABM Systems Ltd. A random draw was held and the names of the winning schools and classrooms are:

• Beechville/Lakeside/Timberlea Elementary School
• Bridgetown Elementary School
• Junction Road Elementary School

The Plan Ahead to Get Home Safe... Someone Special is Waiting program brings together the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission, the RCMP and the education system as one voice supporting a message: that when children speak out about responsible decision making, a greater number of those who make the decisions actually listen. With the right information, students can make appropriate choices and decisions regarding being a socially responsible adult, which may influence the rest of their life.