Hundreds of local elementary students took part in a special art project aimed at sharing the message about the dangers of impaired driving over the holiday season.
The messages, printed on the sides of paper bags used to package liquor bottles, are boldly coloured, brightly designed and intended to send their message before the beverages are even opened.
300 elementary schools in Alberta are involved in the initiative and, throughout December, various liquor stores will be using them to wrap up bottles of booze.
Students at St. Peter’s School in Calgary are aware of the dangers of drinking and driving and want to make sure that knowledge is shared.
“There’s thousands of people dying from drunk drivers every year,” said Bryce Cap, a Grade 4 student.
Many of the designs say that impaired driving can be avoided with a pre-planned method of getting home.
Organizers from the Students Against Drinking and Driving, the group behind the project, say the bags are an opportunity for children to express their creativity and share an important message.
“Every year, I’m always amazed at the students,” said Arthur Lee, with SADD. “They come up with some great ideas on messaging; very original.”
Teachers say that some of the messages the students share come from a personal place.
“It was really just a matter of guiding them in their experience because so many of them have had a family member who was injured with drinking and driving,” said Mary O’Brien.
For more information about SADD’s Liquor Bag Campaign, you can visit the official website.
(With files from Stephanie Wiebe)
