The Epic Battle
2006
Peterborough Santa Claus Parade
December 2nd, 2006
On December 2nd, the Youth Action Alliance participated in the Santa Claus Parade. Our entry focused on the theme of the popular book and film, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. We approached the theme by comparing the Grinch to the tobacco industry. We displayed this theme by carrying signs that read, “Fight the tobacco Grinch!” and chanting, “Hey, Ho, The Tobacco Grinch Has Got To Go”. As we travelled down George Street, we handed out lollipops with this message on it: “He thought up a lie, he thought up one quick- fight the tobacco grinch!” One peer leader was the grinch, and carried a large, fake cigarette while chasing a dozen peer leaders and volunteers dressed up as Whos. We had a very positive response from the public. We saw that many parents were chanting along with us, and the children became very excited. We also worked a lot on recruiting a volunteer base. In total, we recruited 10 volunteers who we are excited to work with us in the future.
Toronto International Film Festival
September 9th, 2006
Peterborough’s Youth Action Alliance, Durham’s Wide Awake, and the Ontario Tobacco Network demonstrated together at the Toronto International Film Festival to raise awareness that smoking in youth-rated movies influences young people to start smoking. We carried signs reading, “Lights, Camera, Addiction! Stop Smoking In Movies!” The event created a lot of buzz. We received media coverage from Global News, and the Toronto Sun.
World No Tobacco Day
May 31st, 2006
The World No Tobacco Day celebration was an event to salute the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the people who made it possible. Twelve community members received smoke-free campaign awards for their dedication to tobacco control. Several community members including the mayor and the president of Board of Health attended. The Youth Action Alliance made a brief speech to honour the life and work of Heather Crowe, which was followed by 40 seconds of silence and her commercials. The Youth Action Alliance created a video from interviews with community members asking for comments about the new Smoke-Free Ontario Act. We also presented Smoke-Free Champion pins to local Achampions@ who worked hard to have this act passed.
Who is Bill?
May 25th- May 31st, 2006
This event focused on raising awareness among high school students about Bill 164, also known as the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, which came into effect on May 31st 2006. It took place in four local high schools: Adam Scott, St. Peter=s, Crestwood and Thomas A. Stewart. The campaign included hanging up posters and broadcasting in schools the Who is Bill contest. The campaign ended with students trying to guess Who Bill really was. Finally on May 31st, the identity of Bill and the winner of the contest were announced on the school announcements. A winner from each school received a prize pack courtesy of the Youth Action Alliance for their correct answer.
At St. Peter’s and Crestwood the Youth Action Alliance wrote, ABill is the Smoke-Free Ontario Act@ in chalk around the outside of the school. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness among students of the new Smoke-Free Ontario Act, and to give the answer to the Who Is Bill? campaign. On the following day, the Youth Action Alliance erased the chalk with water. The event helped to establish a better relationship with these two schools and raise awareness about the newly enacted Bill 164.
Have Your Say! Survey Day
March 25th, 2006
In order to find out what youth in Peterborough know about tobacco related issues, the Peterborough County-City Youth Action Alliance conducted a survey. The survey was launched at Galaxy Cinemas in downtown Peterborough. This survey targeted youth age 12-19, including smokers and non-smokers, from both Peterborough County and City. To entice youth to take part in the survey, radio ads were broadcasted over Kaos and The Wolf radio stations, advertising the chance to win an iPod, and other cool prizes. While at Galaxy Cinemas, the Peer Leaders surveyed a total of 158 youth. This event created awareness of the youth action alliance in the community.
Curve Lake Presentation
February 25th, 2006
On February 25th the Youth Action Alliance presented at the Youth Tobacco Conference at Curve Lake First Nation. The presentation focused on the history of the tobacco industry, marketing tactics, and how to counter the industries’ deceptive marketing tactics. The presentation also included a AMyth/Fact@ game, in which the audience members were able to become actively involved in the presentation.
Click here to see our events from 2005...
