KidSport Delta has benefited from an inaugural running event that took place recently in Tsawwassen.
The Society for a Drug Free BC presented KidSport Delta founder Carlene Lewall with a $1,000 cheque raised in the Drug-Free Dash, which took place in September at Centennial Beach.
Silver sponsors Kerr Construction, Graph’em Solutions and The RunInn agreed this was just a start and want to see more done on education while supporting positive youth programs such as KidSport Delta.
Delta resident Wendy Field gathered a group of volunteers to form the Society for a Drug Free BC five years ago. The group is composed of concerned mothers and citizens partnering with the international Foundation for a Drug-Free World. Her group held the first, but what will become an annual, run to raise awareness and offer education to the community on an ongoing basis on the effects of drugs.
“We are all about educating youth and encouraging them to take positive steps in their lives such as sports,” said Field. “We need to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs, educate our youth so they can make an informed decision, and ultimately save lives.”
Proceeds from the race went to KidSport Delta and the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC. These programs provide the means for organized sports and after school activities to help promote an active, healthy lifestyle.
Proceeds will also support drug education materials for youth groups, law enforcement and educators provided by the society.
The society distributes drug education booklets and informational DVDs. These booklets and videos describe each drug in use today, with exact street names for each, and the harmful side effects. The aim is to get these into schools and youth groups, so children will know what to expect, and can make life-saving decisions.
Once they understand the dangers, many sign a petition, vowing to live drug-free. The society also provides full kits for free to teachers, police and community workers – anyone interested – to aid them in this drug education.
For anyone who would like more information on how they can take part in the society and obtain information about the drug education materials, email: [email protected].
