MADD DURHAM REGION CHAPTER
Volunteers ‘Racing’ to Save Lives

November 6, 2009 - Durham Region, ON – Green start flags did not wave at Mosport International Raceway on Thursday, November 5 but bright red ribbons were everywhere at the launch of

MADD Durham Region Chapter’s Project Red Ribbon campaign, designed to combat impaired driving.
Hosted this year at Mosport’s “Grand Prix” track in Clarington, the ceremonial ribbon cutting marked the start of the annual campaign to save lives urging everyone to

“Choose Your Ride” wisely and not drive impaired.

Michelle Crabb, Chapter President, remarked, “I am honoured to launch Project Red Ribbon today, with our distinguished guests and this striking backdrop of police and emergency response vehicles, a Bowmanville Taxi cab and a Northcutt Elliott funeral coach. The message is clear: “Choose Your Ride’ safely, choose to save lives!”

“We were pleased to be joined by so many in government, police enforcement and emergency response, who share our unwavering commitment to making our roads safe from impaired driving,” explained Michelle Crabb. ”

In a moving speech, Michelle spoke of the loss of her beloved younger brother in an impaired crash in 2007. “Tying on a red ribbon is a Start, and we urge you to ‘Finish’ each of your celebrations responsibly, by making alternate plans for getting home if you’ve had alcohol,” she stated. Among those congratulating the Chapter for the launch were MPP O’Toole, Mayor Abernethy, Councilors Hooper and Woo, Fire Chief Weir, DRPS Deputy Chief Elect Burns, and many members of RCMP, OPP, DRPS and EMS as well as MTO and the Safer Bars Coalition.

MADD Durham Region Chapter is asking residents to tie a red ribbon to their antenna, side mirror, or other visible location on their vehicle and/or keychain. The MADD Canada ribbon is a symbol of a person’s commitment to drive safe and sober during the holiday season and throughout the year. The ribbon also serves as a reminder to other motorists to drive sober.

Every day, 4 Canadians are killed and 207 more Canadians injured on average, due to alcohol and drug-related crashes. MADD Canada and MADD Durham Region Chapter work to change these numbers each and every day.

Project Red Ribbon is taking place across Canada from November until the end of the first week of January. MADD Canada red ribbons will be available at local businesses.

Further information can be obtained by contacting: Michelle Crabb, President

MADD Durham Region Chapter 905.576.7473

Safer Bars Coalition Contact: Pam Frisby, RN, BScN, Public Health Nurse

Durham Region 905.668.7711 ext. 3154

Also see...

MADD Canada's Project Red Ribbon Campaign