DARE REACHES OUT TO STUDENTS

RCMP Const. Tara Merrie has been teaching the Drug Abuse Resistance
Education (DARE) program in schools in the 100 Mile House area since
March 30, 2006.

The DARE program educates students on drugs, alcohol and tobacco and
teaches them how to make healthy choices.

"From September to December this year, Const. Murray and I have taught
four classes adding up to 130 students," Merrie said.

This is a huge program and all the schools are in favour of it, she
said.

The program has recently undergone changes and Merrie said they need
local support to make the program as successful as it has been.

"We used to raise about $5,000 with a hockey game between the RCMP and
firefighters but a recent change means we can no longer fundraise,"
Merrie said.

Throughout the nine or 10 week session students receive small
incentives of pencils, wrist bands or zipper pulls.

Each graduating DARE student receives a printed t-shirt and
certificate.

The change in policy disallowing fundraising means those incentives
might no longer be available.

Merrie encouraged the community to contribute to the program by
purchasing DARE logo products online or contacting her at the 100 Mile
House RCMP detachment at 395-2456.