January 24, 2009 - Today, for the final day of National Non-Smoking Week, residents of Thunder Bay were encouraged to kick their tobacco addiction. Youth from YETI (Youth Engaged in Tobacco-Free Initiatives) and LTPB (Leave the Pack Behind) teamed up with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Smokers’ Helpline to offer support.

Naomi McNeill, Smokers’ Helpline Coordinator with the Canadian Cancer Society, gave out information about the Society’s Driven to Quit contest, where smokers who quit have the opportunity to win a car and other big prizes. Big Tobacco, YETI’s new 10-foot tall puppet, handed out resources on quitting the addiction and on de-normalizing the tobacco industry – exposing Big Tobacco as an industry that lies to the public to get them to use a life-threatening product.

Youth from the two groups also engaged passers-by in conversations about their perceptions of the tobacco industry.

“Many people don’t realize how sneaky this industry is,” said YETI Peer Leader Sarah Covino, “Billions spent on advertising, flavours aimed at youth, and new discreet products are all designed to hook people into a deadly addiction.”

“This is not about targeting or blaming the smoker,” added McNeill. “It is about raising awareness about a very manipulative industry that is pushing an extremely addictive product. Big Tobacco is the only industry whose product, when used as directed, will kill half of its users.”

For over 30 years, the third week in January has been celebrated as National Non-Smoking Week to recognize the importance of quitting smoking, teaching the public about the dangers of smoking, and preventing non-smokers from becoming hooked. Today, National Non-Smoking Week goes beyond smoking to preventing the use of all types of tobacco products (cigarettes, chew and spit tobacco, cigars and pipes) and de-normalizing the tobacco industry.

National Non-Smoking Week runs from January 18–24.  Those interested in the signing up for the Driven to Quit Contest can register by calling the Canadian Cancer Society office at 344-5433 or visiting driventoquit.ca.