News release

Plan Ahead to Get Home Safe

Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation

A reminder from loved ones waiting at home is the best reason anyone could have for using beverage alcohol responsibly. That's the rationale behind the fourth annual Plan Ahead to Get Home Safe Program.

This program is aimed at increasing awareness and responsibility of beverage alcohol consumers, and an integral part is the Colourful Messages from Someone Special campaign. The campaign is a cooperative effort by the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) and the RCMP, based on a model used in Antigonish during the fall of 1997.

In 1998 the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission assumed responsibility for the campaign and expanded it to encompass all school boards across the province. About 90,000 plain paper bags have been distributed to students in grades 4 through 8 over the last three years.

The students draw colourful messages with pictures and slogans relating to responsible use of beverage alcohol. This year, the bags will be used in NSLC stores on Saturday, Dec. 15.

The children have shown great enthusiasm for the project, and public response has been very positive.

"We believe Colourful Messages from Someone Special can be a very effective way of educating children, in addition to increasing awareness and responsibility of alcohol beverage consumers, especially during the holiday season," said program coordinator Beth Martin.

As a co-sponsor of the campaign, the RCMP will make themselves available for educational support and information to students in the classrooms.

"This is a valuable partnership among all parties," said Yvonne Melanson, vice-president, Merchandising Services. "The Plan Ahead to Get Home Safe . . . Someone Special is Waiting program brings the NSLC, the RCMP and the education system together as one voice supporting the message that when children speak out about responsible decision making, a greater number of those who make the decisions actually listen. With the right information, students can make appropriate choices and decisions regarding being socially responsible adults, which will influence the rest of their lives."