The Prince Rupert Rotary Club has come forward to donate $1,000 in support of the Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education (DARE) program in the Prince Rupert School District, but organizers say more community participation is needed for the coming year.
“We are very grateful for their generous donations which cover the cost of learning materials for 83 students who took the program during the 2014-2015 school year,” said DARE BC Society president Colin Grant.
In total the group estimates $2,600 will need to be raised in order to provide DARE’s new Keeping It Real (KiR) course to 220 students across the district.
“The new D.A.R.E. KiR Program encourages youth to be exemplary citizens and to help others in need. The program also covers topics such as peer pressure, stress, communications, bullying, and the Decision Making Model,” explained staff sergeant Anthony Choy, the provincial coordinator of the Drug and Organized Crime Awareness Service, which oversees the DARE program.
“Community donations ensure our children will be equipped with the critical thinking and life skills necessary to choose a drug-free life and fund the $12 cost of learning materials per student,” added Grant.
With the target not yet being met, DARE is appeaing to the community the raise the rest the money needed to bring the program to school in the district. Anyone willing to help support the program is asked to call Chantal Broughton at 778-290-2029 or by email at dare@darebc.com.