January 18, 2012 - Today, during National Non-Smoking Week (January 15-21), 36 black snow angels were created along the river bank between May Street and Simpson Street, next to the CLE grounds, representing the number of Canadians that die each day due to a tobacco related disease. Volunteers who made the angels included youth from Youth Engaged in Tobacco-Free Initiatives (YETI) and the Indian Friendship Centre.

Local youth believe that it’s important to remind the public about this statistic, which makes tobacco the number one cause of death in Canada, each year. They also want to shine some light on how "Big Tobacco" continues to create new products to entice users to start using tobacco products. "Big Tobacco" is the only industry whose product, when used as directed, will kill half of its users.

"Billions of dollars are spent on advertising, flavours aimed at youth and new discreet products are all designed to hook people into a deadly addiction," says Steve Tomé, the Youth Engagement Facilitator from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.

"It really says a lot that youth are coming together to bring awareness to the people of Thunder Bay about the dangers of tobacco products, especially because they are the ones targeted most aggressively by ‘Big Tobacco.’ The Black Snow Angels event is a simple way to get a good message across."

Those lucky enough to see the Black Snow Angels are encouraged to visit www.nnsw.ca where they can get more information about National Non-Smoking Week or get information on how to quit smoking.

For over 30 years, the third week in January has been celebrated as National Non-Smoking Week, with a focus on recognizing the importance of quitting smoking, reminding the public about the dangers of smoking and preventing non-smokers from starting. In the past, National Non-Smoking Week focused on cigarettes, but today it includes all tobacco products: chew and spit tobacco, cigars, pipes, cigarillos, etc. There is no safe level of tobacco use and in the case of second hand smoke; it can also harm those around you.

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