DARING TO SUPPORT DARE PROGRAM

Crowsnest Pass Promoter -- This will be the fourth year the Drug
Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program will be offered to the
Grade 6 students of Isabelle Sellon and Livingstone School, but they
aren't able to do it without the support of the community.

Work books and educational materials are used to teach the students
about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, peer pressure, and the
importance of high self-esteem.

The DARE program was started in Los Angeles in 1983 and is now being
offered in 50 countries worldwide.

It includes a 17-lesson curriculum and is a joint effort between the
community, schools, students, parents, and police.

The pamphlet for DARE states, "DARE seeks to provide children and
youth with the information and skills to live drug and violence free.

DARE works to establish positive relationships between law
enforcement, children, teachers, parents, and other community members.

RCMP Sgt. Brad Kaeding says the DARE program is valuable in
communities because it focuses on the prevention of future substance
abuse among youth.

"(We deal with Grade 6 students) because that age group haven't yet
been exposed to alcohol and drug temptation and they still like the
cops coming around to talk to them," said Kaeding.

"We try to get them equipped with the information and ability to make
smart decisions."

Kaeding says, so far, donations have come in ranging anywhere from
$50 to $500, but they would be grateful for whatever residents or
businesses are able to give.

Donations for the DARE program can be dropped off at the Crowsnest
Pass RCMP detachment at 2122-127 Street in Blairmore.

They can also be dropped off at ATB Financial at 13219-20 Avenue in
Blairmore by specifying the donations are for DARE.