May 1, 2007

Powerful assembly show tours Manitoba
to get high school students to think twice about impaired driving

MADD Canada and MPI team up to ensure 38,000 students will see production

The 2007 Multi-Media high school assembly production of Mind Control has been captivating audiences across the country. It is a must see -- three large screens continuously flashing images to popular lyrics and moving testimonials. With the help of Manitoba Public Insurance, this Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada) production is about to tour the Province.

Manitoba Public Insurance is the Provincial Sponsor of Mind Control. The public auto insurer’s support will take the MADD Canada show to 38,000 Manitoba high school students in schools across the Province, including those in rural and northern communities. The provincial tour is being launched today at Children of the Earth High School in Manitoba. 

Mind Control engages its audiences with a rock montage of pop culture. It starts with fast paced images of control, from parents…from the media…from society at large, incorporating archival clips of compliance and conformity. These images become a parody as the show disarms preconceptions and challenges the audience to rethink the issue of who and what controls the mind.  [For an on-line preview of Mind Control visit www.maddyouth.ca/cms/page.php?10 ]

“It is very provocative,” comments Margaret Miller, MADD Canada’s in-coming National President. “We hope that this production encourages its audiences to take a close look at their values and perceptions, and think again about drugs, alcohol and driving.”

“We hope this multi-media show will leave important impressions about the deadly serious issue of impaired driving,” says Rod Sudbury, President of MADD Winnipeg. “We want young Canadians to make the right decision about not driving the next time they are in a situation where either they or a friend is impaired.

“We’re proud to be supporting this production and ensuring its important message is heard throughout Manitoba,” says Raymond Au, of the Road Safety Department, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Mind Control is important because of the engaging way it connects with its audiences – speaking directly to them with testimonials and personal messages that truly resonate.”

“Our partnership with MADD Canada and its Chapters in Manitoba is important as well for, together, we are able to reach younger audiences and make them more aware of the dangers of drinking and taking drugs and driving.” Mr. Au adds, “This is, ultimately, how we can save lives and make roads safer in our communities.”

Tour information available on-line

With the sponsorship of Manitoba Public Insurance, MADD Canada will be touring the assembly show to high schools in the province until the end of the school year.  For further information about the tour, the assembly show, and how to book the production, visit MADD Canada's youth website - www.maddyouth.ca.  You may wish to contact Chantel Parkes directly for information on how you can bring Mind Control into your community high school (1-800-665-6233, ext. 240, or email: cparkes@madd.ca).

MADD Canada is the country's preeminent voice for impaired driving victims.  The organization is a grassroots, volunteer driven group that is active in over 90 communities across Canada. Over 750,000 Canadians support MADD Canada's mission to stop impaired driving and to support victims of this violent crime.

For further information, www.maddyouth.ca, or call:

Margaret Miller, President Elect, MADD Canada
(204) 479-1780

Rod Sudbury, President, MADD Winnipeg
(204) 479-1780

Brian Smiley, Manitoba Public Insurance
(204) 985-7349