Connie Hagel, community leader for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and a board member for MADD Canada representing Saskatchewan and Manitoba, says the organization continues to play an active role in Estevan.
“We follow everything that MADD Canada does,” said Hagel. “Closer to Christmas, we do the Red Ribbon Project, we do police checks, we are out there with the police officers. I still put out my signs, impaired driver signs caught here, and they seem to disappear just as quickly as I put them up, but that is okay. Somebody is looking at them.”
This year, Hagel is preparing once again for the Red Ribbon campaign, which is held during the holiday season. “We just have red ribbons out, and if we hand them out during a police check, people can tie them on to whatever they want, and it proves to everybody else that they are taking that commitment to drive sober. It is also a little reminder when you are getting into your car, and it is attached to your purse or your antenna that you need to plan ahead and find a safe ride home.”
Hagel also highlighted new opportunities for community partnerships. “I found out that we have a Students Against Drunk Driving chapter in Estevan. I am going to reach out to them, and maybe we can get together and figure out something to do with the students as well.”
Her message remains clear. “With MADD Canada, I just want to remind people that there is always a safe ride home. You do not need to be impaired while driving. Stay safe.”