GRANT USED TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS

The community of Mission is a bit better informed about the
devastating effects of crystal methamphetamine now that a program
organized by a local society has been completed.

Fraser House Society was given $20,000 in funding from the Union of
British Columbia Municipalities which had received $2 million from
the ministry of the solicitor-general last November. UBCM divided the
money throughout the province to a wide range of groups, including
societies, First Nations bands and school districts.

The Fraser House program ran from Jan. 1 until June 30, said office
manager Shirley Downie.

The money was used for volunteer/staff training, eight community and
12 school presentations, meth kits and demonstrator doll, brochures,
handouts and other expenses, according to a press release from the province.

Fraser House Society offers individual, group, and family counselling
to any person whose life is adversely affected by alcohol and/or drug
abuse, while promoting education and community awareness of alcohol
and drug issues, with a focus on prevention and early intervention.

"The response has been overwhelming and demonstrates the desire by
British Columbians to take positive action against the use and
production of the drug in our province," said Solicitor-General John
Les. "There are now 190 communities and First Nations groups that
have created local programs aimed at educating and raising awareness
about the dangers of crystal meth use."