Scotia Bank and MADD team up

Friday, 30 October 2009 14:01 |

Human interest

By LeRae Haynes

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Scotia Bank want to remind the community that driving impaired this Halloween, or anytime, is a bad decision that could ‘haunt’ you forever.

Ghosts and goblins will be out in force this weekend for Halloween. MADD Canada is asking people to plan ahead so impaired driving doesn’t turn your scary party into a real-life nightmare.

(Photo: Kirstie Blackall and Jackie Potter from Scotia Bank, Pam Herman from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Scotia Bank’s Liz Rennie team up to help make our community safe and raise awareness about drinking and driving.)

“Halloween parties and celebrations will be plentiful this weekend and we’re asking everyone to decide ahead of time how they are getting safely to and from their destinations,” said Margaret Miller, MADD Canada’s National President. “Don’t risk your life or the lives of others by getting behind the wheel impaired,” Mrs. Miller said. “Please drive sober, arrange a designated driver, call a cab or plan to spend the night.”

With so many people expected to be out and about this weekend, MADD Canada is reminding everyone about Campaign 911, the national program which empowers people to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911.

Every day, on average, four Canadians are killed and 207 are injured in impaired driving crashes. MADD states that these deaths and injuries are 100 % preventable.

“These tragedies do not have to happen. So, as you’re making your way to your Halloween parties and favourite haunts this weekend, stay safe and help others stay safe too. If you see a driver you suspect is impaired, call 911,” Mrs. Miller said. “Every time an impaired driver is taken off the road, that could be a life saved or an injury prevented.”

The Williams Lake chapter of MADD expressed heart-felt gratitude to Scotia Bank for their continued support and willingness to donate their time and energy.

Team Scotia will be selling hotdogs/hot chocolate at the fireworks at the stampede grounds Halloween night and all proceeds go to MADD. Also, for the month of November the local branch is helping MADD with their Red Ribbon Campaign and raising funds.

MADD’s Red Ribbon campaign will be launched on November 1. You will find MADD representatives at local groceries stores for the months of November and December to raise funds and spread awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. Everyone is warmly invited to pick up a red ribbon and attach it to the antenna of your vehicle to show your support of MADD. MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads.

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