Dear Friend,
Every choice a person makes has consequences. And, sometimes, like when someone makes the choice to drive impaired, those consequences can be deadly...
When Daniela Stinellis looked into her boyfriend's watering eyes she knew something terrible had happened. And it had. Her beloved father was dead. Luigi had been standing on the roadway working as a flagman, when he was struck by an impaired driver and thrown into a backhoe where he died.
"My mom hugged me and said, 'Papa's gone.' It was the worst day of my life. It was a nightmare."
Sadly, it was a nightmare from which the Stinellis family could never awaken. "The pain is always with me," Daniela admits. "Every day I miss out on the love and support of my dad. He's not going to be there to walk me down the aisle or see his grandchildren grow up."
A life violently ended... a family devastated... those are the consequences of someone's choice to drive impaired. But, as you read Daniela's story and empathize with her heartbreak, I hope you'll also keep in mind that choices can have positive consequences too.
Like the consequences that come from your support
for MADD Canada.
Your choice today to give a gift to MADD Canada will have positive consequences on our roads, in our schools, and in the lives of victims.
With your support, we can fight for stronger impaired laws, raise awareness, and educate youth about this violent crime. We can be there, with comfort and understanding, for shattered families like Daniela's.
"Every time I met with my Victim Support Services volunteer I knew I was in a safe place," Daniela admits. "She was there to support and listen to me without judgement. Whatever I needed, she was there to give."
As a consequence of your support, our Victim Support Services helps a lot of people – over 20,000 victims every year. We're there to listen, provide information and court accompaniment, and do everything in our power to help families heal. It's hard to find comfort in anything after you've lost a beloved family member to such a senseless crime, but somehow, Daniela does.
"It's a comfort to know MADD Canada is out there helping victims and trying to prevent this from happening to other families," she says.
We don't do it alone. With your support, you are there every time a motorist calls 911 to report an impaired driver, a student vows never to drink and drive after seeing our School Assembly Program, a victim goes home feeling a little stronger after attending our Victims' Weekend.
These are all consequences of your support for MADD Canada. That's why your commitment today is so important.
Please make the choice to send a generous gift to MADD Canada. Your choice will result in positive consequences for you, those you love, and every Canadian.
Denise Dubyk
National President
MADD Canada
Official Sponsor
The Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is proud to be an official sponsor of MADD Canada.
Did You Know?
Call 911 programs have been shown to increase arrest rates for impaired driving between 30 and 50%.
