The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer To kick off National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW), a free skate was held at the Creighton Sportex last Sunday afternoon. In an effort to promote healthy lifestyles and healthy decisions, the NAAW committee Ð made up of various organizations in Flin Flon and Creighton Ð have organized a number of events for the community. Sunday's skate was the first of many events taking place to promote addiction awareness. More than 150 people attended the skate on Sunday, a number that has been climbing over the years. Along with the community, the Flin Flon Bombers laced up their skates for a few laps around the Sportex ice. "When we have the Bombers there, we get more kids," said Kelleen Blouin of Kids First North in Creighton, a committee member. "The Bombers are a big draw." As well as the Bombers, the Sportex was filled with mascots from various organizations. The Norman Moose, Smokey the Bear, Sparky the Fire Dog and even a giant tooth were on hand to celebrate the healthy lifestyles. This is the second year for the mascots to attend the event. "When I ask them if their mascots will participate...most are happy to have their agency there," said Blouin. For those who attended the skate, information on healthy lifestyles and alternative choices was handed out. Skaters also brought items for the Lord's Bounty Food Bank in an effort to help restock the shelves for those who need it most. NAAW runs this week with events taking place through the communities. Another big draw for NAAW is the family dance. A section of the family dance is the annual colouring contest. With a colouring page designed by Lexi Blouin, children are encouraged to hand in their pages and see them on display on the walls at the family dance. NAAW has been a strong campaign in the Flin Flon and Creighton area for roughly eight years. "Now everyone pretty much knows what it is that comes out," said Kelleen. Along with the skate and family dance, the NAAW committee will be putting on some of the traditional events like the Rat Race at Hapnot Collegiate. Students are required to complete a race with obstacles like goggles that simulate being under the influence, a gambling section and a smoking section. As well, the annual Student Role Model Award was handed out. This year, Jessie Manns of Creighton Community School received the award along with a number of prizes for being a healthy youth role model. Shelley Vancoughnett, of Kids First North, said that along with NAAW, the group tries to tie in National Child Day, which is November 20. "It's family and it's a perfect tie-in," she said. Along with Kids First North, the Women's Resource Centre, Town of Creighton, Flin Flon Parks and Recreation, Creighton Community School, Flin Flon Youth Centre, CADAC, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, NOR-MAN Community Health Centre and the local RCMP detachments are all supporters of National Addictions Awareness Week. Kelleen said "the representation is awesome." "Everyone takes an active role and they all do their part," she said.
