(Photo by MADD Canada/ Facebook)

By Ian Gustafson

Don't drink and drive

MADD’s annual Project Red Ribbon campaign in full swing

Nov 5, 2024 | 4:33 PM

The annual Project Red Ribbon campaign put on by Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is officially underway.

The initiative, which runs from Nov. 1 until the first Monday of the new year, is a yearly awareness campaign to promote sober driving during the holiday season.

During that time, MADD Canada chapters will hand out millions of red ribbons to Canadians to display on their key chains, jackets, etc.

President of the MADD Red Deer & District Chapter Joan McIntyre said ribbons are available at the Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre year round.

They will have them available at their display at the Bluegrass Garden Centre on Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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In addition, they’ll also be handing them out at the annual Charity Checkstop on Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. on Taylor Drive. MADD, the Christmas Bureau, and the Red Deer Food Bank will all benefit. People can make monetary donations but are also asked to donate food for the Food Bank and gifts for the Christmas Bureau.

“This time of the year is when we really promote not drinking and driving but throughout the year it’s also important,” McIntyre said.

“We’re hoping that people pick up a ribbon and think about it, especially through the holiday season, and continue their diligence in not drinking and driving year around.”

The red ribbons can be picked up free of charge but people can make a donation if they want to. The red ribbons highlight a commitment to driving sober and a reminder of the devastation that driving impaired can cause.

“If you’re going to drink, find a safe ride home whether they take a cab or have a designated driver. Just don’t drink and drive because we know the devastation that causes,” McIntyre added.

This year the annual candlelight vigil of hope and remembrance will not be happening. Instead, they’re aiming to have it in the spring of 2025 but a date has not been set.

Organizers found the event wasn’t well attended because of the time of year it was held and made the change in hopes of increasing attendance.

“From now until Christmas time there’s a lot of celebrating going on and if people just remember not to drink and drive that would be great.”