MADD Canada

National Newsletter - Summer 2011

Chapter Notebook

In the West…

In April, the MADD Metro Vancouver Chapter hosted an Appreciation Dinner at the Samosa Garden. Every year, the Chapter invites key volunteers, officers, and political members to enjoy a lovely meal along with the presentation of plaques and certificates as a way to express our gratitude for all of their hard work and dedication. We thank all of our supporters for the significant difference they make, each and every day. With these committed individuals on our team, we are one step closer to achieving our mission to stop impaired driving and to support victims of this violent crime.

In support of Police Awareness Week in May, MADD Whitehorse Chapter hosted a booth with the Whitehorse Police Department. Simulated Impaired Driving Experience (SIDNE®) was a huge success for everyone who came out.

The ‘Uncover Your Assets’ fundraiser was put on by the Town of Beaumont for the MADD Edmonton and Area Chapter. The Beaumont Fire department, SADD, Beaumont teachers and Aqua Fit were just some of the teams who spent 24 hours raising money for us. They had many different events going on during the fitness spin-a-thon, including a BBQ, face painting, yoga, Fatal Vision Goggles and many other things. The Nisku and Beaumont Firefighters put on a mock extraction and EPS brought out the Checkstop van. The event was so successful, it is now going to be an annual fundraiser for the Chapter.

MADD Red Deer and District Chapter created an ad for the local paper to highlight just a few of the people who have become victims of impaired driving and to encourage everyone to make a difference.

In Ontario…

MADD Durham Region Chapter hosted their 2nd annual Strides for Change event April 17th at Ajax Rotary Park. Despite the rain, several walkers and runners came out to support the Chapter. In June, the Chapter hosted their annual Old Tyme Auction featuring a live auctioneer. Tons of fabulous prizes were up for auction, including a helicopter ride for two and a boat ride/tour for two courtesy of the Durham Regional Police Service.

MADD Halton Region Chapter participated in Halton Police Day May 14th at Halton Regional Police Service Headquarters in Oakville and the Burlington Sound of Music. The Chapter also hosted a Death Notification Training workshop in Oakville in June. Several first responders, including police, EMS, fi re and Victim Crisis Assistance & Referral Services (VCARS) volunteers benefited from this specialized training.

MADD Kawartha Lakes Chapter hosted a Mock Crash event on May 18th at the Lindsay Exhibition Fairgrounds in Lindsay. Approximately 600 high school students were bused in for the event that featured various indoor displays and of course the mock crash itself – a dramatization of an impaired driving crash carefully controlled and executed by local police, EMS, fire and a local funeral home.

MADD Niagara Region Community Leaders Steve Way (MADD St. Catharines Community Leader) and Nicole Madden (MADD Niagara Falls Community Leader) got a “jump start” financially to help with some of their community outreach plans. A special thank-you to the 2011 Niagara Falls Fire Recruit Class for organizing Climb Like MADD – a 24 hour relay-style stair climb May 7th-8th at the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls.

MADD Nipissing Chapter hosted a breakfast with the Easter Bunny on April 16th. The Chapter raised awareness and funds all while attendees enjoyed a great breakfast and fantastic penny sale!

MADD Norfolk County Community Leader group participated in a Communities and Hospitals Against Trauma (CHAT) event May 19th at Valley Heights High School. Several local groups were present, including the OPP, EMS, fire and representatives from the Norfolk General Hospital and Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit. First responders organized a mock crash, while Community Leader Dave Finley organized a static display indoors and gave a 15 minute presentation on impaired driving facts. Dave also partnered with the MADD London Chapter to have their impaired driving simulator (SIM car) on site so students could experience the consequences of impaired driving “hands on.”

MADD Quinte Chapter is launching a transit bus ad campaign featuring two victims, Debbie Charlton and Andrew Westlake. The campaign will be active in July and November and then periodically throughout the year as space is available. This initiative puts a name and a face to impaired driving victims.

MADD Renfrew County and MADD Sault St. Marie Community Leader groups hosted Death Notification Training workshops in April and May respectively, representatives from local funeral homes, police, emergency medical services, fire and Victims Crisis Assistance & Referral Services (VCARS) volunteers.

MADD Timmins & Area Chapter participated in a Mock Crash event at Roland Michener High School in South Porcupine put on by the school, police and fire.

MADD Waterloo Region Chapter is busy planning their 1st annual MADD Waterloo Region Designated Driver Golf Classic July 14th at the Grand Valley Golf & Country Club in Cambridge.

In Quebec…

Offender rehabilitation is an important aspect of the vast issue of impaired driving. To help raise awareness to this group of individuals and convey how dangerous their risky behaviour really is, MADD Canada has created the DVD Too Close to Home. In this DVD, the stories of three victims are told showing the serious impact their death or injuries has had, not only on their family but on their whole community. We are very proud to announce that as of this year, all Quebec impaired driving offenders who are required to follow the Alcofrein program (the province’s remedial education program for offenders) will see our DVD and will be more aware of the potential damages that they could have caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our sincerest thanks to SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec) for their decision to include our material in the program. By doing so, the province of Quebec has become the fourth Canadian jurisdiction to spread our important prevention message through their remedial program.

In the Atlantic Region…

Several Chapters in the Atlantic Provinces hosted Candlelight Services of Hope and Remembrance during the spring. During the May 5th ceremony, in Stephenville, NF, MADD Bay St. George Chapter Past President Florence Higgins read reflections on the heart-wrenching story of the death of Josephine Felix, written by Felix’s daughter Sharon Mujica. On May 21st, members from the MADD Yarmouth County Chapter, under the leadership of organizer Tammy Zwicker, gathered at the Salvation Army Church to pay honour and respects. An RCMP honour guard, coordinated by Chapter member Cst. Dana Patterson, escorted each victim family to the front to light a memorial candle.

In an effort to curb impaired driving incidents in rural Nova Scotia, MADD Antigonish Chapter and MADD Guysborough Chapter volunteers worked in partnership with local RCMP to conduct sobriety roadchecks on the Victoria Day Weekend. Several hundred copies of Campaign 911 promotional materials were handed out.

MADD Southeastern New Brunswick Chapter’s Rhonda O’Blenis and Atlantic Regional Director Chris Nagle attended the May 10th Moncton launch of Casino New Brunswick’s “Safe Drive Home” Campaign. This two month pilot project will operate from May until July 10. During this period local taxis will transport casino patrons free within the Greater Moncton area.

MADD Cobequid Chapter President Margaret Miller was recently joined by Chapter member Shirley Christensen in a presentation of roadside screening devices to Truro Police Services and Bible Hill RCMP.

Approximately 70 delegates gathered with host MADD Fredericton Chapter on May 27-29 to participate in the 8th Annual Atlantic Regional Conference. This year’s conference, themed Soldiering on in the Fight Against Impaired Driving, included workshops on volunteer recruitment, development and fundraising ideas. The delegation was honoured to have National President Denise Dubyk in attendance. On the Saturday evening, delegates assembled for the Candlelighting Ceremony as victim tributes were read. Those in attendance were impacted as Guest Speaker CFB Gagetown’s Master Cpl Derek Hill shared his personal reflections on the devastation caused by impaired driving including the tragic death of his grandfather, Donald King.

Once again Chapters in the Atlantic Region have participated in the annual Strides for Change Walk. Among those was the MADD Annapolis Valley Chapter, which partnered with local First Nations families.

Over 50 walkers participated, including several Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw communities. Opening ceremonies included the Honour Song, Smudging and Drumming. Following the walk young and old alike enjoyed a barbeque feast.

On June 17th, a very significant event took place in Grand Falls Windsor, NF. Our Newfoundland and Labrador Chapters came together for the dedication of the Provincial Victim Tribute Monument. Names of those killed or injured, in an alcohol-related crash, from that province have been inscribed on a beautiful granite monument that will be permanently placed near the College of the North Atlantic in the town of Grand Falls Windsor. MADD Exploits Valley Chapter members and Chapter President Lisa Lindhal have had a dream to see the completion of this project for several years and we thank them for honouring victims in this way.

MADD Avalon Chapter partnered with local police, fire and EMS to stage a mock crash to illustrate the aftermath of impaired driving crashes to local high school students.

Chapter and Community Leader News

Welcome to new Community Leaders in Merritt and Fort St. James (formerly the Prince George Community Leader), British Columbia; Morinville, Alberta; Prince Albert, Saskatchewan; Niagara Falls and St. Catharines, Ontario; and Restigouche, New Brunswick. Congratulations to MADD West Prince in Prince Edward Island and MADD Central Okanagan (formerly MADD Kelowna) in British Columbia, on growing from Community Leader to a Chapter!

MADD Canada is pleased to have these community members on our team of leadership volunteers and looks forward to working with them as they introduce and expand our programs and services in their local communities.

If you’re interested in volunteering with MADD Canada in your community, please email info@madd.ca.