BC Liquor Stores customers can now help support alcohol-free events for graduating high school students by making a donation at the cash register to support the Dry Grad campaign.

Contributions by BC Liquor Store customers and staff top up funds raised by parents, students and teachers who work throughout the year raising money for alcohol-free graduation celebrations.

Last year, BC Liquor Store customers and staff throughout the province donated over $540,000 that helped graduating classes celebrate at events such as carnival nights, overnight camping trips and boat cruises.

For over a decade, the Support Dry Grad campaign in BC Liquor Stores has helped prevent underage drinking and has raised more than $4.4 million.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas -

"Dry Grad is a terrific program that will help the Class of 2013 celebrate in a fun and safe manner and it is something I support every year. I encourage British Columbians to make a donation to support students in celebrating their hard work and success."

LDB acting general manager Roger Bissoondatt -

"The Dry Grad Campaign is one of the more significant initiatives we support as part of our corporate social responsibility program, and it is a great example of our customers' and staff commitment to their communities."

Quick Facts:

• More than 250 high schools in 55 school districts are participating in the campaign this year.

• All Support Dry Grad donations from each store go to the local school district, which, in turn, provides the funding to the local grad committees.

• Customers receive a small token of appreciation in recognition of their donation to the Dry Grad Campaign.

• The campaign began Feb. 25 and will run until March 30.

Learn More:

http://www.bcliquorstores.com/support-dry-grad

http://www.healthyschoolsbc.ca/program/333/dry-grad-guidebook-for-bc

Contacts:

Vince Cournoyer
Communications Manager
BC Liquor Distribution Branch
604 252-2874
604 313-2295 (cell)

Tarina Palmer
Senior Communications Program Officer
BC Liquor Distribution Branch
604 252-3028
604 362-4984 (cell)