Plan Ahead to Get Home Safe Program

The Nova Scotia Liquor Commission is proud to announce the 3rd Annual Plan Ahead to Get Home Safe Program. The program is designed to increase the awareness and responsibility of alcohol beverage consumers by reminding them of loved ones waiting at home. A major component of the program includes children in grades 4-8 from across the province drawing messages with pictures and slogans relating to responsible alcohol use on brown paper bags.

In the fall of 1997, Kim Robbins, a liquor commission store manager and RCMP Const. Tony Perry spearheaded a similar campaign. The children showed great enthusiasm for this project and the public response was very positive. In 1998, the program was expanded to encompass all school boards across the province. Over the past two years, the liquor commission has given the bags to consumers during the holiday season and developed an ongoing social responsibility advertising program. It has recently completed a television ad promoting this unique and educational campaign.

"This program gives the schools an authentic learning opportunity as the students openly discuss substance abuse and real decision-making," said program co-ordinator Beth Martin.

The topic can be integrated into the health curriculum, which covers personal development and relationships. "As well," said Ms. Martin, "the program heightens awareness around the holiday season and hopefully increases discussion in the home and in the community."

Following are some teachers' comments on the program:
"Our students made these drawings carefully, and we know very well how important it is to inform them about alcohol problems and to increase the awareness and responsibility of each of them and all people around us," said Claudie Le Cam from École de la Rive-Sud in Blockhouse, Lunenburg County.

"My classes always enjoy this opportunity to make a personal statement," said Gary Cox, Bible Hill Junior High.

Myra Thiemann, Upper Musquodoboit Consolidated School said, "The students in grades 4, 5, and 6 at our school enjoyed the chance to help make our highways safer, especially at Christmas!"

In conjunction with this campaign, liquor commission retail outlets will display Plan Ahead to Get Home Safe...Someone Special is Waiting posters. Program-related buttons will also be worn by staff during the month of December. Most importantly, the bags themselves will be used in liquor commission stores on Saturday, Dec. 16.

The RCMP co-sponsors this campaign by providing educational support to participating schools. The RCMP and the liquor commission are pleased to work together in developing this provincial program.

"When young children speak out publicly on issues such as drinking and driving, they have a great deal of impact on society," said Ms. Martin.

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

• St. Anthony Daniel Elementary School, Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board, teacher: Caroline MacEachern, Grade 4

• Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy, South Shore District School Board, teacher: Bill Crowell, Grade 5

• Riverside Education Centre, Chignecto-Central Regional School Board, teacher: Jana Oldreive, Grade 7