MADD Regina Launches Red Ribbon Campaign Ahead of Holiday Season – Regina | The Canadian News

Saturday marked the start of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Red Ribbon campaign in Regina.

The campaign focuses on promoting sober driving during the holidays by reminding the public to plan a safe trip home during the celebrations.

Members of the MADD Regina Chapter, along with members of local law enforcement, emergency services, community organizations and businesses, will distribute red ribbons and car stickers during the month of November through January 3, 2022, to remind them to people about your message. the upcoming weeks.

“MADD Canada’s red ribbons symbolize a person’s commitment to driving safely and soberly, and also serve as a moving tribute to those killed or injured in drunk driving crashes,” MADD Canada said in a statement. .

A handful of dignitaries were in attendance for the afternoon’s launch, including Regina Mayor Sandra Masters.

The project is close and beloved by Masters, as she says she understands that the effects of drunk driving go beyond a person’s life.

“I know because 31 years ago, my brother died in a drunk driving accident and not a day goes by that my family and I don’t think about him,” Masters shared at Saturday’s event. “From my family to your volunteer organization, thank you very much for what you do.”

According to the Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), the Saskatchewan Police apprehend more than 400 disabled drivers each month.

Impaired driving also continues to be the leading cause of death on Saskatchewan’s roads, accounting for more than 40% of all road deaths in the province.

“Every interrupted life is tragic, but when it comes to drunk driving, it is even more so because it is completely unnecessary,” said Tyler McMurchy, SGI’s manager of media relations.

Additionally, 2021 statistics from the Regina Police indicate that officers are charging an average of one drunk driver per day.

Evan Bray, chief of police for the Regina Police Service, suggested there is still more work to be done.

“Each and every day, numerous people drive after consuming alcohol, and that has real and tangible effects on our community,” Bray said.

“Loss of human life and serious injury is just one of them, but we know families are devastated, we know communities are devastated.”

As part of the campaign, individuals can also make a $ 10 donation in support of the Red Ribbon Project by texting “RIBBON” to 45678. The charge will be added to the person’s cell phone bill.

Red ribbons and car stickers are available from MADD Regina at [email protected] or by calling 1-800-665-6233 ext. 332.