STREET LEVEL TO HOST ANTI-DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAM

Starting in January, Street Level Youth Centre will host the Safety Net Drug
Education program to promote drug-free and risk-free living among children.

"We believe that protecting our children through education is a very
effective way to reduce the risks they face in their everyday lives," said
local program representative Kimberley Keith.

North American children are killed or permanently disabled at a rate of one
every 3.84 minutes. Many of these incidents result from drug use and
overdose.

The program will be presented to 4,000 children, aged 10 and older. Parents
attend with the youth, who will be divided into two groups, depending on
age. Those in attendance work through an instructional book supplied by
Gateway Safety Net Publications. The program is supported by contributing
merchants and businesses and there is no charge to participants.

The first session will be held Jan. 8, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Keith said she hopes to hold the sessions every three months after that.

"This is a real opportunity to protect the children," said Keith. "I think
that together, we and the (sponsoring) merchants, can make a difference."

Call Kimberley Keith at 490-0320 to pre-register.