Publications - MADD Matters Newsletter

Spring 2012

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That's a Wrap! Details on the New School Assembly Program

MADD Canada is putting the finishing touches on Long Weekend, our latest School Assembly Program. The show's delivery to schools across Canada in 2012-2013 will be our most extensive yet thanks to the generosity of many sponsors and partners, including a record $1.27 million donation through the LCBO's 2011 Spirit of Giving Campaign.

This donation is half of the more than $2.5 million generously donated by LCBO customers and employees during the December Campaign in support of MADD Canada and four regional children's hospitals in Ontario. Donations were gathered at 620 LCBO stores across Ontario, through Project Red Ribbon donation boxes on checkout counters and through LCBO cashiers' invitation to customers to make a $2, $5 or $10 donation.

"We are simply awe-struck by the generosity of LCBO's customers and the commitment and effort of its employees," said MADD Canada National President Denise Dubyk. "We wish we could thank each and every one of them individually, to let them know how valuable their contributions are to our efforts to educate young people about the risks of impaired driving."

The support from LCBO customers and employees means that our 2012-2013 School Assembly Program, titled Long Weekend, will be made available free to all high schools in Ontario.

This year's donation is up substantially from the 2010 donation of $998,618 and the 2009 donation of $892,875. Of the funds raised in December 2011, more than $36,000 came through donations in the Project Red Ribbon coin boxes at LCBO counters.

"The commitment of LCBO Retail employees to 'just ask', combined with the generosity of our customers, make a real difference in people's lives," said Bob Clevely, Senior Vice President, LCBO Retail. "We are proud that the School Assembly Program will be viewed by over 700,000 Ontario students and encourage them to make responsible choices and not drink and drive."

Long Weekend takes viewers on a weekend road trip to the cottage with Brian, his brother Malcolm, girlfriend Jessica and best friend Raj. The weekend takes a horrific turn when an impaired Brian drives into town with Jessica.

This year, for the first time, LCBO screened the 2011-2012 program, Damages, for all LCBO Retail and the majority of Head Office employees, to give them a better idea of how their support makes it possible to reach so many Ontario students to help them make informed, safe choices about alcohol and drugs and avoid impaired driving or riding with an impaired driver.

"I was very proud to show employees Damages this year," said Rick Redwood, LCBO Northern Region Director. "They gained a greater sense of engagement and understanding, which in turn enabled them to talk with our customers about MADD Canada and its School Assembly Program, while at the same time, creating a greater sense of community."

MADD Canada's School Assembly Program would not be possible without the generous contributions of its partners and sponsors, such as the LCBO, Kia Canada Inc., Allstate Insurance Company of Canada and many other corporate and community sponsors. Our thanks to everyone who contributes to the success of this program.

What Schools Are Saying

The national School Assembly Program has an enormous impact on students and influences their decision-making for years to come. The 2011-2012 program, Damages, resonates heavily with students.

"The information presented in the video was difficult, but extremely necessary to discuss and expose students to. Thank you so much MADD Canada and LCBO customers; without you this would not be possible for us!"
- Nbisiing Secondary School, North Bay, ON

This was an amazing presentation. For our community this really "hit home". Very emotional experience that will make all of us think twice before we consume alcohol and make the choice to drive.
- Pierceland Central School, Pierceland, SK

This was an extremely effective presentation that captured the attention of both staff and students. It was easy to see Damages as being a high impact presentation, all of our students were completely in tune with the content of Damages. Many thanks to MADD Canada and the LCBO for bringing this presentation to our school.
- Holy Cross Secondary School, Strathroy, ON

The video was very powerful. Our students were engaged with the story/scenario. Your speaker was excellent with his reflective comments at the end of the presentation as well.
- St. Malachy's Memorial High School, Saint John, NB

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Official Sponsor

Allstate Canada

The Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is proud to be an official sponsor of MADD Canada

Did You Know?

MADD Canada strives for complete transparency and accountability to our donors and supporters. Our budgets and audited financial statements are available on this site.