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.