Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Aug 17/01) - The International FAS Day Walk and Barbecue is set for Sept. 9.

Angie MacNeil, a public health nurse and member of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Committee of Inuvik, said this will be the first time the walk has been held here.

Angie MacNeil is helping to organize the International FAS Day Walk and Barbecue, which takes place in Inuvik Sept. 9. - Malcolm Gorrill/NNSL photo

MacNeil said the goal is to raise community awareness regarding FAS and the resources available to affected families. The walk's theme is "Keep families strong."

"The whole point of the event is a positive message of families and communities supporting women to make healthy choices during pregnancy, because FAS is 100 per cent preventable," MacNeil said.

The walk begins and ends at Jim Koe Park. Registration begins at 2 p.m., with the walk commencing at 2:30 p.m. Kids under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The FAS committee will set up an information booth.

Free T-shirts will be given out to the first 250 participants, and MacNeil hopes to give them all away. She said she's pleased with the response so far.

There will also be guest speakers and entertainment.

Earlier this year Grade 5 students at Sir Alexander Mackenzie school took part in a poster campaign on FAS. Four winning posters are to be blown up and distributed throughout town to promote the walk.