DESIRÉE DECOSTE
STAFF WRITER
This fall, the Prince Edward County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) partnered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Quinte and local LCBO stores to participate in the “Think of Me” campaign.
Winning bag by Evelyn Mascarenhas, Grade 5 student at St. Gregory Catholic School. (Desirée Decoste/Gazette Staff)
The concept behind the campaign, is to raise awareness in the Grades 4,5 and 6 classes across the province of Ontario about the dangers of drinking and driving, and the health related risks and dangers of utilizing alcohol, cannabis and other drugs.
The local LCBO stores provided blank paper bags to students at St. Gregory Catholic School, and after a presentation from OPP officers, the Grades 4,5 and 6 classes colored their own “anti-drinking and driving” messages on the LCBO paper bags.
Their drawings and slogans were handed in and the winning bag, which will be forwarded to central Ontario where bags from all across the province will be reviewed was drawn by Evelyn Mascarenhas, a Grade 5 student at St. Greg’s.
“I love their imagination and the colors, “expressed John Hatch, Staff Sergeant and Detachment Commander with the Prince Edward OPP Detachment. “ I love the concept and idea of this, these things hit home when people start looking at them and I think this will generate conversation which is what we want to get the message out.”
The St. Gregory LCBO bags which were not selected for the Provincial vote will be handed out at the local LCBO stores over the Christmas holidays.
This was a perfect opportunity for students at St. Gregory Catholic School to learn about the dangers of drugs, and drinking and driving. The MADD Canada motto is “No Alcohol – No Drugs – No Victims”. The OPP feel that in today’s society, it’s important for the youth in all communities to be aware of the issues which are present in today’s society, and this also provides a great opportunity for the students to connect with the local OPP officers.
“Commander Hatch came when our grade 1 and 2’s were being introduced to community helpers,” said Gail MacDougall, St. Gregory Catholic School, Learning Resource Assistance. “At that time we talked about the MADD program and our students just ate it up and thought it was a great time. They love their art work and doodling and this was a great opportunity to make that doodling a little more productive.”
The Prince Edward OPP and MADD Quinte are providing a “pizza day” for the 100 students who participated in this wonderful contest.
The winning design that is selected at central Ontario, will be printed on over 50,000 LCBO bags for the Victoria Day long Weekend in 2020.
“It goes without saying that the messages from our local students will have tremendous impact on the local population,” stated Commander Hatch. “And will increase awareness about this important messaging.”