December 14, 2007
THUNDER BAY — YETI (Youth Engaged in Tobacco-free Initiatives) has wrapped up their holiday stuffed toy drive, entitled “Project YETI Bear”. The advocacy group which works to educate youth about the dangers of tobacco industry products and the manipulative nature of the tobacco industry set out to collect 1000 new and used toys between November and December. Their expectations were far exceeded when they had to wrap up the drive early with over 1500 stuffed toys. Each toy was tagged with a message warning about the dangers of second-hand smoke and with information for loved ones who might be interested in quitting their addiction.
“We’re very happy with the success of this event in its first year,” said YETI Peer Leader Kathryn Morgan. “Instead of sitting on a shelf, these teddy bears will make a happy holiday for a lot of kids, as well as giving them an important message about tobacco industry products.”
YETI partnered with a number of community organizations and schools for this project. The majority of the drive was held in elementary and high schools. YETI teamed up with community and charitable organizations who work with youth to help distribute the stuffed animals, such as Dilico Anishinabek Family Care (Dilico), Children’s Centre Foundation, Anishnawbe Mushkiki, George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, and others. Dilico’s Director of Protection Services presented YETI with a certificate of thanks for their contribution and commitment to healthy children, families and communities.
“Over 150 of our children in care have received these bears to date,” explained Susan Verrill, Dilico’s Director of Protection Services. “This program has brought smiles to many little faces, and at the same time, it has educated families about the dangers of second hand smoke.”
By educating youth and parents about the dangers of second-hand smoke, YETI hopes to decrease the number of cases of childhood illnesses which can result from exposure. These could include premature birth, low birth weight, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), bronchitis, pneumonia, middle-ear Infection and/ or irritated or worsening asthma.
“We really think we can make a difference here,” said Morgan. “The earlier kids learn about the dangers of smoking, the better and it’s also never too late to quit.”
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