Plan Ahead to Get Home Safe Program

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) and the RCMP are pleased to announce the sixth annual Plan Ahead to Get Home Safe Program.

The program encourages children in Grades 4 to 8 to draw colourful messages with pictures and slogans relating to the responsible use of alcohol, which are then used on NSLC bags. The NSLC's social responsibility program is aimed at increasing awareness and responsible drinking, and is designed to encourage people to always plan ahead to get home safe.

"This Plan Ahead Program brings together the NSLC, the RCMP and Nova Scotia youth to reinforce the consequences of drinking and driving to the students at an early age," stated NSLC program co- ordinator, Beth Martin. "The children take what they've learned and interpret it in their own creative drawings and words. The message will continue to be with them as they grow and enter adulthood."

Teachers, students and the general public continue to show great enthusiasm for the program. The program is an exercise in teaching and learning for everyone involved.

The decorated bags will be used in NSLC stores during the holiday season, beginning Saturday, Dec. 13.

"Impaired driving remains the leading cause of criminal death in Canada. This is the most devastating road safety problem encountered by police," stated Sgt. Dan MacGillivray, RCMP traffic services. "The RCMP fully supports this initiative and applauds the NSLC for its corporate responsibility and leadership."

The Plan Ahead to Get Home Safe program also offers participating classes a chance to win one of three computers, donated by ABM Systems Limited, or one of four computer software bundles donated by Microsoft. Prize winners will be notified in December.

Ms. Martin says the biggest winners, however, are those who understand the message that drinking and driving do not mix.