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Home My WebLink AboutCS-03-00Meeting: Date: Report #: Subject: THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON REPORT General Purpose and Administration Committee File 62� April 3, 2000 Res. # yfi _x_08 CS -03 -00 By -law # RACE AGAINST DRUGS PROGRAM Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: THAT Report No. CS -03 -00 be received for information. 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (London detachment) in partnership with the local school boards and corporate sponsors developed the Race Against Drugs program. The purpose of the program is in a fun, exciting and interesting environment, to heighten awareness among children at an early age, to enable them to make healthy lifestyle decisions regarding drugs and substance abuse. 1.2 In September 1999, a steering committee was formed to offer the program to the Boards of Education within Clarington. The program will be offered to all grade five students over a three -day period. (The program was successfully offered with the Region of Durham to the Durham District Boards of Education.) 1.3 The respective Boards of Education will transport all grade five students to the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Centre in order that they may participate in the program. Approximately 1154 children will take part in the scheduled events. 1.4 Staff from several Municipal Departments are involved with the program. The Clerks' Department — By -law Enforcement have been involved with the steering committee and will be participating with the committee during the event. The Fire Department, also involved in the steering committee, will demonstrate the Fire Safety House as part of the event — assimilating a smoke filled environment — teaching children the importance to stay low and crawl below smoke. In addition, the Fire Department will be educating the participants on the 10 Home Fire Safety Tips and developing a Home Escape Plan with the Families. /2 1001, REPORT NO.: CS -03 -00 PAGE 2 Once Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex was confirmed as the main venue for the program, the Community Services Department became directly involved as facilitating partner — providing a location for the program and their demonstrations to Clarington school children and their families. 2.0 PROGRAM 2.1 Through the involvement of the respective school boards, educational resource packages are being prepared in advance of the program. The program is offered in the format of an automobile race in which students will operate slot cars and move from pit stop to pit stop where they will be educated on various aspects of substance abuse. Each pit stop is sponsored by a related agency. 2.2 The program sponsors expect to include racecar celebrities as well as members of the various agencies to speak to the children regarding drug and substance abuse. Prizes will be offered to the participants as they compete in the program. Displays and demonstrations will be arranged and co-ordinated by the Clarington Steering Committee. The displays will be interactive and static displays may include actual racecars used at Mosport International Raceway as well as police vehicles. 2.3 Current partners and sponsors for the program are: Region of Durham — Health Department Durham Regional Police Services Royal Canadian Mounted Police Ontario Provincial Police Municipality of Clarington — Fire Department Municipality of Clarington - Clerks Department Municipality of Clarington - Community Services Department Laidlaw Education Services Petley -Hare Insurance Brokers Lakeridge Health - Whitby Royal Bank of Canada Neighbourhood Watch — Newcastle Village Optimist Club Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Subway Subs Mosport International Raceway Brine Canada CAP Productions CDS Technologies Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board Rice Lake and Knox Christian Schools Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board 1002 .../3 . J REPORT NO.: CS -03 -00 PAGE 3 2.4 The Steering Committee is also seeking additional corporate sponsorship for the program and prizes for the participants. In addition, a number of volunteers will be required to assist the Committee on the days of the event to guide the participants through the course. 2.5 Insurance, first aid and security for the program will also be arranged by the Steering Committee. 2.6 An open house for media, parents and the community is planned on Wednesday June 7, 2000 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (See attachment #1) 3.0 RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 The Race Against Drugs Program is an invaluable resource to the Clarington community. As a proactive prevention program, youth will be educated regarding the concerns related to drug and substance abuse. 3.2 As the Municipality is fulfilling the role of an active and participating partner in the program, the Community Services Department is pleased to host the Race Against Drugs Program at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex on June 5 to 9, 2000. submitted, P. Caruana r of Community Services J PC/BT /pg Reviewed by, 6 rx'r--� Franklin Wu, M.C.I.P., R.P.P. Chief Administrative Officer - 1003 CEARINGTON • • ATTACHMENT # 1 TO REPORT CS -03 -00 Help us educate our youth to make healthy, drug -free lifestyle choices. The Clarington "Racing Against Drugs" program planning committee, in collaboration with the RCMP, is organizing their first annual "Racing Against Drugs" program for grade five students in Clarington. This program promotes drug awareness and safety issues, along with healthy alternative choices to drugs, for example sports, hobbies, Arts, etc. The central theme of car racing is the secret to the success of "Racing Against Drugs ". Over the three day event, June 6 to 8, 2000, one thousand and five hundred students will visit fifteen interactive "Pit Stops" where police and community health professionals share information in a racing environment that captures and holds students interest. As the grand finale, school teams selected through the "Racing Against Drugs" in -class programs, will race eight model thunderbirds on a seventy -two foot oval slot -car track. The combination of classroom activities and the "Racing Against Drugs" Race Day make this a most impressionable and unforgettable program. Parents, families, community organizations and members of the public will be invited to participate as well. The Clarington "Racing Against Drugs" Planning Committee is coordinating a special evening of activities so no one misses out! At the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, June 7, 2000, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, parents, businesses, industry and members of the community will have the opportunity to race in the "Corporate Challenge ", visit the many interactive Pit Stops and enjoy the captivating entertainment. Your interest and support for Clarington's "Racing Against Drugs" would be greatly appreciated. Interested community partners wishing to play an active role in the coordination of this program are invited to join the planning committee. We are also seeking financial support, prize donations and participation from community agencies interested in hosting a "Pit Stop ". For more information, please contact: Julia Lechner at (905) 683 -4808 ext. 227 126 Commercial Avenue, Ajax, Ontario LIS 2H5 1004 (905) 683.4808 ext. 227