News

SIMCOE, ON, MARCH 26, 2009 – The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s youth group, Fresh Heir, is sponsoring a $2 movie night for local youth on Thursday, April 9, at McKinnon Park Secondary School in Caledonia.

The event, “One Night Stand Against Tobacco Use and Substance Abuse” is co-sponsored by Crime Stoppers, features the most recent James Bond film, “Quantum of Solace” and is open to high school students from both Haldimand and Norfolk.

“Our goal is to provide youth with an alternative to risky partying and to educate them about tobacco use in movies,” said Fresh Heir Peer Leader Kristen Rattray. “More than 1,000 youths will start smoking today because of what they saw on screen.”

The movie night runs from 8 p.m. to midnight and the $2 tickets, which include snacks and refreshments, are available at local high schools. Profits will go to the schools for future health-related activities.

Fresh Heir consists of local youths working to protect their peers in the community from tobacco-industry products. One Night Stand is designed to make high school students in both counties more aware of the impact of media on tobacco use and other substance abuse. To get the message across, the event will feature a video project, public service announcement and clips made by Fresh Heir, the Health Unit and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, as well as games and other activities.

“Smoking shown in movies accounts for 52 per cent of adolescents who start smoking, making it the most powerful pro-tobacco influence on kids today,” explained Peer Leader M’toulin Asquith. “The hope is that through this movie night, Fresh Heir will influence students to become more aware and more critical of what they see in the media, and to live a healthier lifestyle, free of substance abuse.”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 those who need more information about One Night Stand, 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. Phone: 519- 426-6170 Ext. 3276 or 905-318-6623 Ext. 3276. Email: [email protected]