Reminding drivers to be aware as holiday season approaching
Project Red Ribbon sends a message not to drink and drive
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, November 24, 2016
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Halfway through National Addiction Awareness Week, volunteers took to the streets to raise awareness about the impacts of impaired driving.
The Project Red Ribbon crew, in the back, from left, are Const. Henry Smith, Cpl. Mark Phillips, Const. Akira Currier, Const. Patrick Faye and Carl Lafferty. In the front, from left, are Michelle Leger, Beatrice Antoine, Sharon Allen, Kevin Allen and Tannis Reid. - April Hudson/NNSL photo
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Accompanied by four members of Fort Simpson's RCMP detachment, Mothers Against Drunk Driving community leader Sharon Allen spent the evening of Nov. 16 handing out brochures and tying ribbons onto vehicles as a reminder not to drink and drive.
The group included Const. Henry Smith, Const. Patrick Faye, Const. Akira Currier and Cpl. Mark Phillips, as well as Carl Lafferty, Michelle Leger, Beatrice Antoine, Kevin Allen and Tannis Reid.
Other community members who came out to help included Nahendeh MLA Shane Thompson and other volunteers.
Big turnout for third run
This marked the third time Project Red Ribbon took place in the community. Allen said the turnout this year was far greater than in past years, when icy and freezing conditions kept many people off the street.
"More people came this year," Allen said.
Project Red Ribbon is one of the many initiatives Allen has been promoting in the Deh Cho since she first became involved with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Other initiatives she undertakes include acting as designated driver for parties and events in order to promote responsible drinking behaviour.
Driven by the memory of her daughter Keisha Trudel, who died on Nov. 23, 2008 in Fort Smith in a car accident where the driver of the vehicle she was in had been drinking, Allen hopes to reach out to other victims of impaired driving.
Support for victims
The message she hopes to spread is not only "Don't drink and drive" but also that those who have been impacted by impaired driving are not alone.
"(Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is there for awareness but it's also there to support victims," she said.
"That's really important because you feel like you're alone in this."
Allen said some of the experiences that helped her the most involved sharing her story with other people.
Each year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving holds a victims' weekend in April, and she has made a habit of attending.
The weekend usually includes a slideshow and a memorial.
"It's really special because you're amongst people who have had similar experiences to you," she said.
"You're remembering and honouring your loved one, but you're also getting help for yourself, too."
