PRESENTATION ON ALCOHOL, DRUGS

More than 100 people showed up at the Moonstone Theatre Company's
studio last week to attend the Alcohol-Drug Education Service's 54th
annual open house and annual general meeting, and to see a dramatic
presentation about the perils of addiction, written and performed by
youth.

"It was a great success," executive director Judi Lalonde said of the
event, which was rained out of Leigh Square.

Attendees saw back-to-back performances of Now That We Have Your
Attention - Hooked, a choreographed collection of monologues and
scenes written and performed by youth. The performance provides an
expos, of the health perils and personal consequences of alcohol and
other drug abuse.

With financial help from the City of Port Coquitlam, the presentation
is the first step in the development of a new program intended to:

- - Increase student and community knowledge of alcohol and other drug
misuse.

- - Assist students in developing a greater sense of personal
responsibility for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making critical
decisions.

- - Have students at as positive role models and peer
educators.

- - Provide a supportive environment where students can access
information and support.

The program will hit local schools this fall.

Lalonde said Hooked is one of the many programs Alcohol-Drug Education
Service offers throughout the province in an effort to help keep kids
drug free. The organization's focus is prevention.

Alcohol-Drug Education Service was based in Vancouver for more than 50
years and moved into a new home on Shaughnessy Street in Port
Coquitlam in December 2005.

"We're truly looking forward to working in this community, and the
Tri-Cities region," Lalonde said.

For more information about Alcohol-Drug Education Service, call
604-944-4155 or visit www.ades.bc.ca. Their office is located at
203-2550 Shaughnessy St.