News

SIMCOE, ON, MAY 1, 2009 – The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s youth group, Fresh Heir, is inviting Norfolk County high school students to a free music concert May 7 to expose the tobacco industry’s marketing practices towards youth.

The concert, entitled “Face the Music,” runs from 7 to 11 p.m. at Simcoe Composite School and features local youth bands and artists such as Alexis’ Crush, Let’s Ditch Dale, Autumn Epple and many more.

“We want to use the concert venue as a way of making youth aware of their constant exposure to tobacco industry products and deceptive marketing tactics,” said Lucas Lubin, a peer leader with the tobacco-free youth group.

Fresh Heir contends that while tobacco companies deny marketing their products to youth, the evidence says otherwise.

“The tobacco industry creates ads and products intended to be appealing to youth by using bright colours and artificial flavouring,” Lubin said. “The tobacco industry spends six billion dollars a year targeting youth, and by purchasing tobacco products, you’re giving the industry an encore. It’s time for big tobacco to face the music. On May 7, we are giving a backstage look at how the tobacco industry really performs.”

The concert will be broadcasted on Amtelecom Cable 5 and everyone who attends has a chance to win one of many prizes donated by local businesses.

Fresh Heir is always looking for volunteers to help in its efforts to “clear up big tobacco for this generation and the next.” Those interested in getting involved or seeking more information about the concert, can contact the group at [email protected] or call the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit at 519-426-6170 Ext. 3276.

Media Contact:
Ashley Everets
Youth Advisor
Smoke-Free Ontario Program
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
519-426-6170 Ext. 3276