Annual quit smoking contest set to go

News Release
NWHU

To kick off National Non-Smoking Week, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) wants smokers to butt out - and wants to reward them for it. Today launches the 2007 Driven to Quit Challenge, a province-wide challenge to the more than 1.6 million Ontario smokers to quit smoking. One successful quitter will drive away with a 2007 luxury sedan.
The Northwestern Health Unit is also encouraging smokers to use this challenge as an opportunity to make a quit attempt. In order to enter the Challenge, a smoker must enlist a non-smoking buddy to support them. A smoker often needs the encouragement and emotional support of those around them to be successful and a buddy who is committed to helping the smoker quit can be an important part of quitting for good.
Another great support for smokers who want to quit is the CCS Smokers’ Helpline. It is a free, confidential service that provides personalized support, advice and information about quitting smoking and tobacco use. The service is available in English and French at 1-877-513-5333; Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and weekends, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Smokers’ Helpline is also available online at www.smokershelpline.ca.
The CCS Driven to Quit Challenge is designed to encourage Ontario adults who are daily smokers to quit smoking. Over 20,000 Ontario smokers are expected to participate in the Challenge this year. Those who remain smoke-free for the month of March will be entered into a draw on March 30, 2007 for the chance to win a number of prizes, including a grand prize of a 2007 Acura CSX provided by corporate sponsor Johnson & Johnson Inc. The registration period begins January 22 and runs until February 28, 2007. The Driven to Quit Challenge is also supported by the McGuinty government.
Smokers can register for The Driven to Quit Challenge online by February 28, 2007 at www.driventoquit.ca which also offers access to cessation information and resources. Mail-in entry forms and self-help cessation information is also be available from your local Northwestern Health Unit office.