Candy Cane Campaign to spread cheer and safety tips

GRANDE PRAIRIE – Alberta Health Services’ Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and health promotion department are once again teaming up with community partners to run the Candy Cane Campaign.

Starting this weekend at various Peace Country locations, motorists pulled over during the campaign will receive a candy cane as well as holiday safety messages:

• Don’t drink and drive. It’s not worth the risk.
• Prepare your vehicle for emergencies. Don’t get caught on a dark, cold road without a flashlight and warm winter boots.
• Drive carefully. Ice and snow can make winter driving treacherous. Drive slowly, don’t hurry and watch for other drivers.

This year, Candy Cane Campaign teams expect to reach more than 5,000 drivers with winter safety information, along with distributing 10,000 candy canes. This program has been operating in northern Alberta communities for more than 15 years.

Dates and locations of Candy Cane Campaigns include:

• Dec. 8: McLennan
• Dec. 10: Rainbow Lake, Manning
• Dec. 11: Paddle Prairie
• Dec. 12: Fort Vermilion, La Crete
• Dec. 13: High Level, Peace River
• Dec. 14: Nampa, Swan Hills
• Dec. 15: Spirit River
• Dec. 17: Grimshaw, Grande Prairie
• Dec. 19: Beaverlodge

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.