Pubdate: Mon, 28 Aug 2006
Source: Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser
Contact:  http://www.wetaskiwintimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2179
Author: Ruth Saunders
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

RCMP FOUNDATION HELPS LOCAL COMMITTEE MAKE DRUG CONFERENCE A REALITY

Standing Strong Against Drugs Receives Funds From Mounted Police Foundation

Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser -- Assistance from the Royal Canadian 
Mounted Police has proved beneficial in the fight against drugs in Wetaskiwin.

The Mounted Police Foundation has made a donation of $3,000 to 
Wetaskiwin Community Solutions Substance Abuse Awareness Committee to 
host a two-day conference, Standing Strong Against Drugs, planned for 
Oct. 20 and 21.

With funds through MPF, as well as local donations, Standing Strong 
Against Drugs has been put together to alert people of the dangers of 
drugs within their own community. Community Solutions co-ordinator 
Lisa Wojna noted the cost has been kept as little as possible to 
attract the people.

"We want it to be affordable and we want people to come," she explained.

"It's a huge, wonderful conference that we want to benefit the wider 
community."

Speakers have been chosen with special consideration for the needs of 
this community and those of the surrounding area.

In an effort to address drugs in the workplace, a special, and free, 
session is planned on Friday afternoon for employers.

Julian Madigan, the other speaker for the session, will focus on a 
wide range of topics including the following:

* Recognizing early signs of drug abuse; * Developing a workplace 
drug policy; * Exploring the fundamental flaws of drug testing; * How 
to help the addicted employer/employee; * The drug abuse, violence 
and fraud link; * Invisible statistics -- safety versus 
discrimination; * The costs -- social, monetary, relationships, 
industry; * Perceptions, performance and fresh perspectives; * Impact 
of Substance Abuse on Safety and the workplace; * Identifying if you 
are at risk or if your co-worker is putting you at risk.

After the employers session, will be a youth event: Follow Your 
Dreams with 2005 Canadian Idol Wildcard Finalist Jenn Beaupre, from 7 to 9 p.m.

There is no charge for either the employer session or the youth 
event, but registration is still encouraged.

A $10 registration fee is being charged for Saturday, and this fee 
includes lunch. Cheques or money orders should be made out to the 
City of Wetaskiwin and mailed to 5010 50 Avenue, Wetaskiwin Alberta, 
T9A 0S4. Please include your name, address, and phone number.

The Oct. 21 section of the Standing Strong Against Drugs, taking 
place at the Drill Hall will begin with registration at 8:45 a.m., 
followed by a welcome from Mayor Don Montgomery.

Then it will be a day chock-full of speakers speaking on many 
drug-related topics.

9:30 a.m. -- Patricia Morgan, Love Them as They Are

10:50 a.m. -- Julian Madigan, Know the Score

12 p.m. -- Edmonton City Coun. Karen Leibovici, Know Your Neighbour program

1:00 p.m. -- Serge LeClerc, Challenges and Choices

2:20 -- Sgt. Ian Sanderson, Drug-proof yourself

The day will end with a panel discussion and closing remarks at 4 p.m.

"This event is going far beyond Wetaskiwin. We've had calls from 
Edmonton, a counsellor in High River, a parole officer in Drumheller, 
and the Bonnyville Coalition," noted Wojna, adding she has received 
interest from the area and further.

"We have to attack drugs further than just our backyard. These 
independent drug coalitions try to work together. Both Leduc and 
Camrose have their own drug coalitions, but we are working together 
(on the problem)."

The Mounted Police Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that 
manages the RCMP Licensing Program of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Amounts generated through this program are used to fund community and 
youth development programs.

The Mounted police Foundation in the past few years has provided more 
than $2 million dollars to approximately 300 community-driven 
initiatives such as crime prevention, victim services, drug awareness 
and child and youth oriented programs in Canadian communities.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom