Representatives from the Prince Albert MADD Chapter were at the Lake Country Co-Op Food Store on Monday to launch Project Red Ribbon. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Saving lives

Project Red Ribbon returns to Prince Albert

Nov 13, 2023 | 5:00 PM

An annual national campaign that encourages sober driving, was officially re-launched in Prince Albert on Monday with the cutting of a red ribbon.

Multiple members of the local Mothers Against Drunk Driving Chapter (MADD) were on hand at the Lake Country Co-Op Food Store to bring awareness to Project Red Ribbon. Noting the Christmas party season is just around the corner, board member Karen Anthony-Burns told paNOW the whole idea of the campaign is to just to remind holidaygoers to make a plan for a safe ride home.

“When they tie on a red ribbon, they are making a pledge to drive sober,” she said.

The campaign runs until Jan. 8 and both the ribbons and car decals will be available at all Lake Country Co-Op locations in Prince Albert as well as Beau Lac Funeral Home and the Northern Lights Casino.

“We don’t want anybody causing any deaths or injuries due to impaired driving,” Anthony-Burns said.

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Boxes like this one will be visible during November, December, and early January at a number of businesses across the province. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

While noting local MOBILE RID (Report Impaired Drivers) numbers are down, Anthony-Burns also acknowledged every hour in Canada, an average of 10 federal criminal charges and provincial short-term licence suspensions are laid for alcohol or drug-impaired driving.

She was then asked if she was surprised by the numbers, given the large amount of public education that’s been done, as well as the changes to provincial legislation.

“The numbers are still there so it’s important to raise that awareness,” she replied.

And for those people who wish to take a taxi to their holiday function, the Prince Albert and Area Community Alcohol Strategy Steering Committee (CASSC) has partnered with SGI, Grey Cab and Checker/Family Taxi to offer $15 cab coupons.

The Prince Albert Police Service has distributed cab coupons to local licensed establishments and the taxi companies will also have them available. The coupons expire on Jan. 15 and can be used between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell