KENTVILLE - MADD Annapolis Valley members are asking motorists to stand behind the message at the heart of the red ribbons they distribute this holiday season.
“It’s a reminder that they’ll drive safe and drive sober, and it also serves memorial tribute to those that have been injured or killed because of an impaired driver,” said Susan MacAskill, chapter services manager for MADD Canada’s Atlantic region.
“We hand out over 3,000 pieces of information on our Project Red Ribbon campaign.”
MacAskill joined local police officers, paramedics and firefighters in promoting the launch of MADD Annapolis Valley’s 2017 Red Ribbon Launch throughout the day Nov. 25. Red ribbons were handed out during check stops conducted in Windsor, Wolfville, Kentville and Berwick.
The Red Ribbon Project doubles as both an awareness campaign and fundraiser that helps MADD Annapolis Valley coordinate projects aimed at preventing impaired driving, while also offering support programs for victims.
“During the holiday season there’s a lot more celebrating… we’re asking people to plan to have a safe ride home, stay overnight or call a cab,” said MacAskill, who stressed that operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can have dire consequences.
Suspected impaired drivers can be reported by calling 911, said MacAskill.
“We hope there won’t be any vacant places at the dinner table this holiday season.”
