In the News

MADD urging people to stride for change
By Ian McInroy
The Barrie Examiner
June 4, 2010

Krista Noack will never forget April 2, 2008.

The Barrie resident was 19 years old when her boyfriend -- avid cyclist Jesse Augustine, 22 -- was killed by a drunk driver in Hamilton.

The driver received a four-year prison term and a 10-year driving suspension for his reckless actions, and Noack's life was shattered.

She vowed to help spare other people from the same the pain she endured after a future with Augustine was taken away.
Eight months after the tragedy, Noack became involved with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and now she is helping with the organization's fifth annual MADD Barrie/Simcoe Strides for Change walk/run event, taking place Sunday at Heritage Park.

"As long as I can reach out to even just one or two people to get the message across, something good can come out of something bad," she said, adding that message is simple.

"Don't drink and drive. It's so easily avoidable," she added. "There are so many different ways to get home: taxi, a sober designated driver, a parent or a friend.

"Twenty dollars in cab fare is better than paying for a casket."

Taking part in Strides for Change lets her give back to an organization Noack says has helped her cope.

"MADD is very victim-oriented. They bring the families of the victims of drunk drivers together and we talk and share stories," she said "There are different courses on how to deal with grief. Families deal with it differently."

Noack said it's "definitely" worth reaching out.

"I've met other youth my age who have lost a leg to a drunk driver or lost their boyfriend. We've all lost different things to the same problem," she said. "Every day there is something new about grief."

Losing a loved one to a drunk driver is a life-altering experience for victims, said MADD Barrie/Simcoe past-president Kim Butler.

"It's a huge loss of innocence and of their hopes and dreams," she said.

If you can't make it to the Strides for Change event, you can still take part by being a virtual walker.

Visit the MADD website to make a pledge.

Money from Sunday's event will help raise awareness of MADD Canada's programs and services to make our communities safer.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., at Heritage Park, and the start time is 10 a.m.

Participants will take a route around Kempenfelt Bay to just beyond the Southshore Community Centre -- 2.5 kilometres -- and then back.

People of all ages and abilities are invited to take part: walkers, runners or people who use a wheelchair (sorry, no rollerblades, bicycles, skate boards, roller shoes etc.) can enjoy a trip around the bay.

There will be an emergency services display, a tribute and survivor area as well as refreshments and snacks.

For details, call 1-866-466-5310, or e-mail maddbarriesimcoe@rogers.com.

Registration is available at www.madd.ca/barriesimcoe.