MADD launches Project Red Ribbon
By DAN McCAFFERY
The Observer
November 15, 2008

POINT EDWARD — The message couldn't have been more stark.

With a driving rain falling and a cold wind blowing, 260 white crosses were erected on a highly visible Front Street location here Saturday morning.

The potent symbols represent the number of Canadians expected to be killed by inebriated motorists during the rapidly approaching holiday season.

Mothers Against Drinking and Driving (MADD), with the help of local police officers, firefighters and ambulance personnel, put the crosses up on a patch of real estate just south of Highway 402.

Rev. Val Pitt of Point Edward United Church dedicated the crosses and blessed the families that they represent.

"It's a huge reminder," she said. "It's hard to imagine that that's going to be the reality this Christmas season, when we think of peace." She added, "Too many lives have been cut short, too many families have been devastated and too many excuses have been made for these criminal acts."

In addition to the four people who will be killed every day during the holidays, another 196 will be injured by drunk drivers, she said.

Kathryn Bolton, president of Sarnia-Lambton's MADD chapter, said that during the annual "project red ribbon" campaign, area merchants will display coin boxes and red ribbons to help raise money for the organization. All proceeds will go towards helping to pay for anti drinking and driving programs in area schools.

It's crucial to get the message out to young people, which is why educational initiatives are under way in both elementary and secondary schools, she said.

Police officers taking part in Saturday's sombre ceremony were at a loss to explain why people continue to drink and drive in the face of still penalties.

"We've had less (arrests) than the year before, but we'd like to see more of an improvement," said Const. Tracey Beni of Sarnia Police Service.

Const. John Reurink of Lambton OPP said flatly, "I really don't know why people are dumb enough" to drink and drive.

So far this year, 210 motorists have been charged with impaired driving in Sarnia-Lambton, 27 of whom were involved in collisions. During the same period last year, 278 were charged, 50 at the scene of an accident.

Still, Rev. Pitt offered hope for the future. "Change will happen when we all act responsibly, with concern for one another," she said.