OPP RECEIVES FUNDING BOOST FOR DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAM

(SYDENHAM) Ontario Provincial Police Const. Natalie McDowell was
pleased to announce recently the Drug Abuse Resistance Education
(DARE) Program has received a healthy funding boost in the form of a
$900 grant from the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.

"This money will cover the program for this year, plus some of the
books and the fatal vision goggles, they came up from the States and
cost about $400," said McDowell. The goggles allow students to see how
their perception would be altered through abuse of drugs or alcohol.

Launched in South Frontenac four years ago, the DARE Program is taught
in the six elementary schools in the township. McDowell teaches eight
weekly 40-minute classes in which students learn about responsible
decision-making.

"The emphasis in the DARE Program is about making choices throughout
their lives and that there are consequences," explained McDowell,
adding that this applies to everything from whether or not to abuse
alcohol under age or the choice between studying for a test or going
out to see a movie.

"At the [graduation ceremony] they make a pledge that when you drink
you will do so responsibly."

Although the grant money will go to the OPP for the program, it was
the Sydenham Lions Club that applied for the grant.

"It's almost a no brainier, the potential out there for some
diversion. Why wouldn't you be involved in that?" said Gary Davison,
mayor of South Frontenac, and one of three Sydenham Lions on hand at
the cheque presentation.

The Sydenham Lions Club, which was revived in 2004, has been
supporting the DARE Program since it was initiated in 2005.

"In the past we just did a cash donation, this is the first time we've
received a grant," added Davison.

While the money was part of a larger pool of funds to be distributed
by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, it was raised through
a donation by the sale of Not for Adults magazine at supermarkets
owned by Metro, including A&P and Dominion, throughout Ontario.

Jim Horan, principal at Harrowsmith Public School, praised the program
for the positive effect it has had on his students.

"We're very grateful to the OPP for promoting the DARE Program. It
allows our young people to receive a tremendous amount of knowledge
from the OPP and that allows them to make wise choices."

Designed by public educators in the United States, the DARE Program
was first introduced to Canada by the RCMP. Officers take a two-week
training course in which they learn the ins and outs of the program
and how to communicate it to students in grades 5 and 6.

"It's a different type of policing that's different then being out on
the roads. It's preventative," said McDowell.

McDowell also explained that South Frontenac is lucky in that it
remains a community with relatively little trouble with drug and
alcohol abuse among its young people. She added that she hopes the
continued presence of the DARE Program will ensure this remains true
in the coming years.

"It's a fantastic area to police and I would be happy to stay there
for the rest of my career."

For more information on the DARE Program, contact McDowell at the
Frontenac Detachment, 613-372-1932, ext. 6955.