ANTI-DRUG MARCH RETURNS IN APRIL

The Battle Against Drug And Alcohol Abuse Will Take To The Streets
For The Second-Straight Year Next Month

"Drugs affect every community, whether big or small, in some
respects. Quite often it's going on behind closed doors," said Mathew
Feeley, president of the Theology Club at Canadian University College
(CUC). The club is spearheading the second annual Anti-Drug March in
Lacombe on April 15.

Last year's event drew hundreds of participants to the march along
C&E Trail, concluding with a series of personal testimonials and
informational booths at the Lacombe Memorial Centre (LMC).

Due to renovations at the LMC, this year's march will conclude at the
Lacombe Sports and Leisure Complex. Feeley hopes the extra room at
the front ice of Barnett Arena will accommodate larger crowds and
expanded booths.

Also new this year, organizers hope to recruit a famous athlete to
hit home the anti-drug message. Feeley said he's close to confirming
the participation of one of Canada's Olympic medallists, but couldn't say who.

"It really looks good at this point," he said.

Having an athlete at the concluding rally is an attempt to attract
youth to the anti-drug message, said Feeley.

"Often some of their role models are these athletes. These are people
they admire, look up to and want to be like."

A drama skit by Impact Group--CUC students who promote drug-free
living--and personal accounts from local residents who've seen the
side effects of drug and alcohol abuse are also planned.

Feeley knows all too well about youth drug use. He's a recovering
addict who became heavily involved in Toronto's rave scene at age 14.
After using everything from crystal meth to cocaine and stealing to
afford his habit, Feeley managed to turn his life around. He's now a
fourth-year religious studies student at CUC, with plans to be a
pastor after graduation this spring.

"Sometimes if you get stuck in that lifestyle it can stick with you
for a long time," he said. "We really just want to see the youth take
hold of this event."

To boost student interest, several contests will be held for things
like best banner or essay. Winners could take home prizes like a new
mountain bike, roller blades or swim passes.

Essays should communicate a message that it's better to live without
drugs, said Feeley.

"If they can communicate that through personal experience, that's even better."

The Theology Club has contacted several schools about taking part in
the march, but few have made firm commitments, Feeley said. Terrace
Ridge School will participate for the second straight year.

The Red Deer Royals Marching Band also confirmed their participation,
as have a number of substance abuse agencies.

This year's route will start at Terrace Ridge School, heading south
along C&E Trail, west on 51st Avenue and north to the arena on 51st
Street. The march begins at Terrace Ridge School at 3 p.m. The rally
will start at 4 p.m.

"We want the community to come out and support the event again."