In the News

Local MADD chapter getting their name out there
The Lacombe Globe
By Heather Pickett
November 17, 2009

LACOMBE- Despite their small volunteer base, the dedication and determination to make a difference in the communities they serve remains undaunted for the members of Lacombe's Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) chapter.

And with two members recently returning from the national MADD conference to share their experience at a chapter workshop, it is full steam ahead for the group.

"There are a number of new things that we have and that we're looking at doing to let the communities know we're here," said chapter president Anne Peck, who participated in the national conference along with victim services coordinator Debbie Barron. "We recieved a number of new props and promotional things that we're going to be using at the various events we're at. There are posters, training videos and the toxic clock, which can show people how long it would take for them to be sober enough to drive.

"We want to let people know more about what MADD does and what we can do to help the victims of impaired driving."

With victims as the priority, Barron said the chapter wants to reach out to more people while being a strong voice in the community against impaired driving.

"We're about so much more and we're involved in so much more than I think some people realize," she said. "When I'm driving with my kids, I want to know that I'm safe, people want to know that they're safe on the roads, and that is something we're helping to work towards in cooperation with other agencies, with the police services, with the government.

"We are for the victims, to help them, to be a voice for them," she added. "And we're going to be here helping until, hopefully one day, impaired driving is no longer an issue."

The recent weekend workshop allowed Peck and Barron a chance to share the resources they picked up at the national conference as well as give the chapter a chance to refocus on what they can do on a local scale.

"We are a smaller chapter but there are five or six big things we're going to be taking part in throughout Lacombe and other communities," said Peck. "There are certain goals we have that we want to reach and we want to become more visible, more involved in the community so people know we're here."

One of the first undertakings of the chapter will be Project Red Ribbon, which kicked off locally Tuesday.

Possibly one of the most visible public awareness drives, the annual MADD ribbon campaign spreads the message of safe and sober driving.

"The purpose of tying on a ribbon is that person's way of saying 'I don't drink and drive,'" said Barron. "It's a good visual reminder."

In the coming months that chapter will also be hosting a Much Music video dance, taking part trade shows and community parades. And as their visibility grows, so too will the need for more volunteers to help spread the message.

"We're always looking for volunteers," said Peck. "Anyone wanting to come out and join us or help us out is more than welcome."

Anyone interested in volunteering with MADD can contact the chapter at 403-506-5461.

Also see...

MADD Canada's Project Red Ribbon campaign