|
|
|
Hitting the Road for Cancer Prevention
By Derval Keenan, 6/15/2004 10:25:11 AM
|
Big-hearted delivery drivers are currently doing their bit to tackle cancer in the Province, undertaking the free delivery of specialist resource packs to over 27,000 youngsters.
The drivers, from Parcelforce Worldwide in partnership with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are undertaking the distribution of the special Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) ?‘Smokebusters?’ kits to P6 and P7 schoolchildren right across Northern Ireland.
Kevin Carabine, from Parcelforce Worldwide said the company and the staff were very happy to help out, and he highlighted that the initiative for the local charity was now in its eighth year. Speaking at the official hand-over of the consignment at the Ulster Cancer Foundation?’s Eglantine Avenue headquarters, Kevin said: ?“This is one way of ?‘giving something back?’ to the community and we are very pleased to have the opportunity to do so.?”
Judith West, Smokebusters Project Officer, Ulster Cancer Foundation said, ?“The youngsters who use the resource packs become members of an exclusive ?‘club?’ for young people who have chosen to reject smoking and promote health. The ?‘Smokebusters?’ campaign is not against smokers but rather a campaign designed to increase children?’s?’ defences against the many pressures to experiment with cigarettes.
?“The campaign enables UCF to provide information directly to young people about the harmful consequences of smoking and also involves them in ?‘fun?’ activities to create a ?‘smoke free?’ environment in their school, and community.?”
Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive, Ulster Cancer Foundation said, ?“Independent evaluation shows Smokebusters to be an effective means of health education, so we are very keen to continue the scheme and are grateful to the staff and management at Parcelforce Worldwide and CWU. Without their help delivering these educational resources for free, this important initiative would be prohibitively expensive to implement.?”
Eamonn Cooke, CWU area organiser said, "CWU and its members are happy that they can give something back to the community. We have been delivering the Smokebusters campaign for eight years and will continue to do so for many more.?”
-ends-
For further information please contact Derval keenan, PR and Events Officer, Ulster Cancer Foundation on 028 9066 3281 / dervalkeenan@ulstercancer.org
Notes for editors:
How does the scheme operate?
Membership is FREE (available to P6 and P7 classes). The Class Teacher enrols his/her class and receives a starter pack containing:
- Teacher's notes
- Classroom resources
- Smokebuster Newsletters
- Stickers
- Membership card for each pupil
Regular communication throughout the year includes:
- Extra resources and material
- Two newsletters for each young person
- News of special events, competitions and local activities
UCF also provide teachers with training to enable them to integrate the programme into the entire school curriculum.
|
|
|
