D.A.R.E. RECEIVES $10,000

Rotary Club Writes Huge Cheque To Organization

KIRKLAND LAKE - The Kirkland Lake Rotary Club continued its support
for community projects with a $10,000 donation to the Drug Abuse
Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program.

This is the third consecutive year that Rotary has given to the
organization, which strives to help children make responsible choices
relating to drugs, alcohol and violence.

"This donation is huge for us," said Const. Paul Harrison of the
Ontario Provincial Police. "The D.A.R.E. program helps to give kids
the skills needed to make good choices. "

This worldwide organization spreads its message by sending officers
into the classroom starting in Grade 6.

"Research has proven that it is more effective when you reach kids at
an earlier age," he said.

Harrison, who's just returned from teaching officers in the
Philippines, believes that its much easier to prevent children from
abusing substances in the first place, rather then trying to help them
out of a downward spiral later on.

"In high school, assistance tends to be rehabilitation," he said.

A total of 32 officers in the Northeastern Ontario region conduct the
program, including two in Kirkland Lake.

The program has been running full time in K.L. since 1999.

D.A.R.E. was originally founded in Los Angeles in 1983 and is now
present in more than 54 countries.

Before entering the program, officers must complete 80 hours of
special training in areas such as child development, classroom
management, communication skills and teaching techniques.

Ron Loach, past president of Rotary, presented the cheque on behalf of
the club.

He feels that D.A.R.E. is a worthwhile endeavor that can only help
Kirkland Lake.

"Their program is really good. Kids can be a tough group to reach."

Ron Loach

"Their program is really good," said Loach. "Kids can be a tough group
to reach."

"We at Rotary tend to emphasize the importance of children."

For more information on the D.A.R.E. program, visit
www.dare.com.