HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Oct. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thousands of Nova Scotia students will see a powerful presentation about the risks of driving impaired as MADD Canada, with generous support from the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC), delivers its School Program around the province.
MADD Canada’s School Program is presented to students in Grades 7 – 12. The educational videos engage young people in a realistic conversation about what is truly at stake when someone drives impaired, and equips them with the knowledge and inspiration to never drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver.
“We bring this program into schools to engage students in this vital conversation,” said MADD Canada National President Tanya Hansen Pratt. “We want them to understand that lives are at stake whenever someone drives impaired by alcohol, cannabis or other drugs. Most importantly, we want them to know that each one of them can prevent impaired driving, and the tragic outcomes that can result, by making safe and responsible choices.”
New this year, schools can choose one of three films to be presented to students: Final Play, No Tomorrow or Over the Edge. The films are revamped School Program presentations that include new educational components to allow for more hands-on learning with students. Each video presentation features a fictionalized story, followed by real-life stories from victims of impaired driving.
MADD Canada and the NSLC are visiting high schools in Dartmouth and Halifax this week to deliver presentations and talk to students. The French presentation, Précipice, will be delivered to students at Ecole du Carrefour in Dartmouth this morning, while the English presentation, No Tomorrow, will be seen by students at Park West School in Halifax Thursday afternoon.
As Provincial Sponsor of the School Program, NSLC is sponsoring 60 English and French presentations around the province this school year.
“Responsibility is at the heart of who we are and everything we do at the NSLC,” said Greg Hughes, President and CEO of the NSLC. “We are proud to continue working alongside MADD Canada to bring this life-saving message to Nova Scotia students. We encourage young people, and all Nova Scotians, to make the commitment to always drive sober, and in doing so, protect themselves, their peers, and their communities.”
Road crashes are the number one cause of death among Canadian youth, and alcohol, cannabis and/or drugs are involved in more than half of those crashes. MADD Canada’s School Program strives to prevent impaired driving among young people by equipping them with the knowledge and motivation to prevent it.
“As a long-time Provincial Sponsor of this program, the NSLC makes it possible for us to deliver this presentation to thousands of students across the province,” said Ms. Hansen Pratt. “We could not do this without them, and we are so grateful for their continued partnership in this and other efforts to prevent impaired driving.”
All School Programs will be available in the traditional assembly format, as well as classroom or virtual formats, depending on each school’s preference. Following the presentations, schools receive an Educators’ Guide and School Kits with additional scenarios to help teachers continue the sober driving conversation throughout the whole school year.
To see a clip of MADD Canada’s School Program: maddyouth.ca
About MADD Canada
MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads. For more information, visit www.madd.ca.
About NSLC
The NSLC manages the safe and responsible sale of beverage alcohol and cannabis in Nova Scotia, returning 100% of its profits to government to help fund key public services. The NSLC aspires to be a trusted retailer, partner, employer, and responsible industry steward that is helping to create a stronger Nova Scotia. For more information about the NSLC, please visit our website at myNSLC.com.
