DRUG FILM COMING TO 100 MILE

On May 23-24, Peter Skene Ogden Secondary and 100 Mile Junior students
will get an idea of what it's like to be addicted to drugs.

The schools are bringing two police officers and one cast member of
'Through A Blue Lens,' a 1999 documentary about drug abuse in
Vancouver's notorious downtown eastside, for presentations.

The students will view the film a week or so prior to meeting with
Vancouver Police Department officers,

Sgt. Toby Hinton and Cst. Mark Steinkampf, both of whom were major
players in the critically acclaimed documentary. A recovering addict
featured prominently in the film will also be on hand for the
multi-media presentations, each of which are two hours in duration.

The seminars take place at PSO on May 23 at 1:15 p.m. and at 100 Mile
Junior, the following day, at 9 a.m.

Vic Brett, PSO principal, says 'Through a Blue Lens' is vital viewing
for impressionable youth.

"It's crucial to be proactive in ensuring that we educate our young
against the real damaging effects of a lifestyle that involves drugs."

Bryan Ardiel, a PSO teacher, is responsible for bringing the
presentations to the schools. He wholeheartedly agrees with Brett's
sentiments.

"It's going to be high impact," said Ardiel. "These are two police
officers of seven that make up the 'Odd Squad'. They have spent most
of their policing career working at the poorest postal code in Canada,
the downtown eastside."

Brett says PAC members, parents and 100 Mile House residents are
invited to attend either presentation.

"We've got really super support from a variety of people in the
community to make this event occur," said Brett.

The seminars have been funded by the PSO PAC committee, the Youth
Resource Centre and Joe Pearce, district principal, who made a
generous donation to bring the presentations to 100 Mile.