BC Liquor Stores raise more than $360,000 for Dry Grad

VANCOUVER - High school graduation is a significant rite of passage and this year about 52,000 British Columbia students will celebrate at safe, alcohol-free events, thanks in part to BC Liquor Stores' annual Support Dry Grad campaign.

This year's campaign, which ran between Feb. 28 and March 31, 2016, raised $364,296, bringing the grand total of funds raised since the campaign's start in 2001 to more than $6.22 million.

One hundred per cent of the dry grad donations raised by BC Liquor Stores go directly to the school district in the store's area or to the Federation of Independent Schools, which give the funds to participating local grad committees.

Organized by students, parents and schools, dry grad events allow students to celebrate graduation in a fun, alcohol-free manner. This year's campaign supports dry grad committees at more than 270 high schools in 55 school districts throughout the province. Examples of alcohol-free graduation events planned include dances, mock casino nights and karaoke contests.

The Support Dry Grad campaign is an integral part of efforts by the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) to prevent underage drinking and promote zero consumption by minors.

Quotes:

Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch, Coralee Oakes -

"Providing youth with safe, fun alternative graduation activities is a way to try and ensure our loved ones get to celebrate their success. No one wants to see alcohol in the hands of youth and no one wants to see a life cut short. Support Dry Grad is one of the ways that government is working to protect the health and safety of our citizens."

Liquor Distribution Branch manager of marketing and social responsibility, Lavaughn Larson -

"Year after year, customers generously support our efforts to prevent underage drinking and promote safe graduation events across the province. The dry grad campaign is one of the more significant initiatives the LDB supports and it's a great example of our customers' and employees' commitment to their community."

Surrey school district superintendent, Jordan Tinney -

"Dry grad events are popular for our secondary school communities each year. I know the funds contributed by our communities through BC Liquor Stores are greatly valued by our dry grad committees. The Support Dry Grad campaign helps to provide events that are safe and also fun and memorable for our grads."

Quick Facts:

• The first Support Dry Grad campaign was held in 2001 and is at the core of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch's corporate social responsibility program - the primary focus of which is to help keep alcohol out of the hands of minors.
• This year, 55 school districts and the Federation of Independent Schools are participating in dry grad activities funded by the campaign.
• One hundred per cent of all donations collected will be distributed to more than 270 high schools hosting dry grad events.

Learn More:

LDB's commitment to corporate social responsibility: http://ow.ly/4nq7Za

Factsheet on B.C.'s commitment to protect public health and safety: http://ow.ly/ujJte

Media Contact:

Viola Kaminski
Communications
BC Liquor Distribution Branch
604 252-3029