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SIMCOE, ON, JAN. 28, 2010 – The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit is holding a promotional event at Zehrs Markets in Caledonia, Friday, Feb. 12, to promote the fifth annual Driven to Quit Challenge that helps people quit smoking.

In addition to an information display and registration table, the Health Unit will be showing off a 2010 Ford Escape, courtesy of Winegard Motors Limited, from 3 to 7 p.m. Top prize in the challenge is a 2010 Ford Escape hybrid.

“In addition to the automobile, participants will also have a chance to win one of two $5,000 vacation getaways or a $2,000 MasterCard gift card,” said the Health Unit’s Fiaza Siddiqi, Tobacco Use Prevention Health Promoter. “We’ll be setting up an information and registration table at the store, located at 322 Argyle St. South, to encourage people to sign up right way. Deadline for registration is Feb. 28 and we want to give every tobacco user in the area a chance to get in on this great opportunity.”

A similar event is being held Saturday, Feb. 6, in Simcoe at the Superstore, 125 Queensway East, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Ford Escape on display there is courtesy of Blue Star Ford Lincoln Sales Ltd.

Door prizes will be handed out at both events.

The Driven to Quit Challenge is a health promotion campaign hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society, and promoted by local health units, in support of a smoke-free Ontario. Ontario adults enter with a support buddy and pledge to quit smoking or quit other tobacco use during the month of March. Entrants who remain smoke free for the month have the chance to win the new automobile or one of the other prizes. “Buddies” can enter to win a $200 MasterCard gift card. Prizes are sponsored by McNeil Consumer Healthcare.

“Quit kits” containing information and several free promotional items will be handed out during the Simcoe and Caledonia events. The Canadian Cancer Society’s Smokers’ Help Line will also be on hand to speak with people. The help line provides telephone counselling and web-based services to help tobacco users quit.

“We are proud to be partnering with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit to promote the Driven to Quit Challenge in Simcoe,” said Blue Star’s Kyle Kowtaluk. “Helping people protect their health is a very worthy cause.”

Winegard Motors’ Jerry Winegard was likewise enthusiastic about supporting the Caledonia event. “We’re eager to assist anyone with the drive they need to quit smoking and improve their health.”

The challenge is open to Ontarians aged 19 and over who have used tobacco at least once weekly for at least one year, and who have used tobacco at least 100 times in their lives. Participants can register at either of the two local events or go to www.DrivenToQuit.ca where they can register online or print a hard copy of the entry form. People can also contact the Health Unit for a form by calling extension 3248 at either 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623. The Smokers’ Helpline can be reached at 1-877-513-5333 or at www.SmokersHelpline.ca.

PHOTO CUTLINE:
Jerry Winegard of Winegard Motors shows off the 2010 Ford Escape, top prize in this year’s Driven To Quit Challenge. The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, represented here by Health Promoter Fiaza Siddiqi, is promoting the challenge, which helps people quit smoking.

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Media Contact:
Fiaza Siddiqi
Tobacco Use Prevention Health Promoter
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
519-426-6170 Ext. 3248 or 905-318-6623 Ext. 3248