Pubdate: Thu, 02 Oct 2008 Source: Frontenac This Week (CN ON) Copyright: 2008 Osprey Media Contact: http://www.frontenacthisweek.com/feedback1/default.aspx?e4=an_editorialemail Website: http://www.frontenacthisweek.com/ Author: Anthony S.C. Hampton Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) OPP RECEIVES FUNDING BOOST FOR DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAM (SYDENHAM) Ontario Provincial Police Const. Natalie McDowell was pleased to announce recently the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Program has received a healthy funding boost in the form of a $900 grant from the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. "This money will cover the program for this year, plus some of the books and the fatal vision goggles, they came up from the States and cost about $400," said McDowell. The goggles allow students to see how their perception would be altered through abuse of drugs or alcohol. Launched in South Frontenac four years ago, the DARE Program is taught in the six elementary schools in the township. McDowell teaches eight weekly 40-minute classes in which students learn about responsible decision-making. "The emphasis in the DARE Program is about making choices throughout their lives and that there are consequences," explained McDowell, adding that this applies to everything from whether or not to abuse alcohol under age or the choice between studying for a test or going out to see a movie. "At the [graduation ceremony] they make a pledge that when you drink you will do so responsibly." Although the grant money will go to the OPP for the program, it was the Sydenham Lions Club that applied for the grant. "It's almost a no brainier, the potential out there for some diversion. Why wouldn't you be involved in that?" said Gary Davison, mayor of South Frontenac, and one of three Sydenham Lions on hand at the cheque presentation. The Sydenham Lions Club, which was revived in 2004, has been supporting the DARE Program since it was initiated in 2005. "In the past we just did a cash donation, this is the first time we've received a grant," added Davison. While the money was part of a larger pool of funds to be distributed by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, it was raised through a donation by the sale of Not for Adults magazine at supermarkets owned by Metro, including A&P and Dominion, throughout Ontario. Jim Horan, principal at Harrowsmith Public School, praised the program for the positive effect it has had on his students. "We're very grateful to the OPP for promoting the DARE Program. It allows our young people to receive a tremendous amount of knowledge from the OPP and that allows them to make wise choices." Designed by public educators in the United States, the DARE Program was first introduced to Canada by the RCMP. Officers take a two-week training course in which they learn the ins and outs of the program and how to communicate it to students in grades 5 and 6. "It's a different type of policing that's different then being out on the roads. It's preventative," said McDowell. McDowell also explained that South Frontenac is lucky in that it remains a community with relatively little trouble with drug and alcohol abuse among its young people. She added that she hopes the continued presence of the DARE Program will ensure this remains true in the coming years. "It's a fantastic area to police and I would be happy to stay there for the rest of my career." For more information on the DARE Program, contact McDowell at the Frontenac Detachment, 613-372-1932, ext. 6955. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin