By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Aug. 4, 2012
Local Royal Canadian Legion has donated $500 to help RCMP teach the internationally recognized Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program to grade 5 students in Squamish.
As many as 250 RCMP officers are engaged in the task of teaching D.A.R.E program to thousands of school children in over 90 communities throughout the province.
The learning materials cost approximately $10 per student, and the cost is covered by community donations so that the program can be offered free to all students.
“The D.A.R.E. program equips our children with the critical thinking and life skills necessary to choose a drug-free life,” said Staff. Sgt Anthony Choy.
Choy oversees the Squamish D.A.R.E. program.
Choy said the RCMP is thankful to the legion for donations that help cover the cost of learning materials for 50 students.
D.A.R.E. BC is a registered charitable organization responsible for raising funds from within each community to cover the cost of the student learning materials.
The founder of D.A.R.E.BC, retired RCMP Staff Sergeant Chuck Doucette, said next year’s DARE program starts in September.
About $2,500 is needed to be raised to cover the cost of learning materials for the 250 students who are expected to take the DARE program.
“We appealing to the citizens of Squamish to help provide the financial support needed to empower Squamish’s school children in choosing a drug-free healthy lifestyle.
Donations can be made on line by visiting the D.A.R.E.BC website.
S/Sgt Guy Pollock (retired) says
I am now retired from the RCMP and am not speaking on behalf of the RCMP; however in 4.5 years (Oct 2007-Jun 2012) I was very hands on and aware of the realities of this program, funding, support.
For clarity;
– Squamish is a proud and solid DARE community
– Squamish RCMP DARE program has dedicated 100% support from the Squamish Breakfast Club (a great organization, I encourage Squamish residents to check their website or search the web, newspaper archives for past stories)
– DARE BC appreciates all donations and puts those funds to great, accountable use
I wish to thank all contributors and supporters of DARE everywhere (ie/non specific: service clubs, institutions, individuals, SD48, parents). Youth are our future, any parent wants to help keep their child out of harms way on that journey, drugs are a serious problem to our society, health, crime, etc….DARE is such a great program!
Again, for clarity and personal appreciation, the Squamish Brekfast Club Society has been the strong, committed, 100% support, sponsor for DARE in Squamish. Again, I encourage everyone to learn more about and support the Squamish Breakfast Club….that support in turn wil find its way to DARE and other very worthwhile and needed Squamish benefits
Thanks
Guy