In the News

Time to tie on a red ribbon to support MADD
The Lacombe Globe
By Heather Pickett
November 2, 2009

LACOMBE - Possibly one of the most visible public awareness drives, the annual Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) ribbon campaign has returned for another season, spreading the message of safe and sober driving.

From the beginning of November to the first Monday after Jan. 1, millions of red ribbons are distributed across the country by MADD Canada volunteers with the hope of effectively delivering their sober driving message during the busiest social time of the year.

This time of year, the ribbons begin to become common sights on vehicles, keychains and even backpacks, working to visual spread MADD's message about not drinking and driving.

"The ribbons just serve as such a good reminder to drive safely and soberly," said Michelle Kretz, who lost her son in a drunk driving accident 13 years ago. "I just can't believe that so many people still get behind the wheel after drinking, or get in the vehicle with someone who has. It just doesn't make sense.

"I hope that seeing the ribbons makes them reconsider because it's not just their lives at risk."

The MADD 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, in Canada, nearly four Canadians are killed and nearly 190 more are injured due to alcohol and drug-related crashes, according to the organization, which is working to change those numbers.

Also see...

The MADD Canada Project Red Ribbon campaign