BC Liquor Store customers showed their support for alcohol-free graduation celebrations by donating over $459,000 to this year's Support Dry Grad Campaign.

The Support Dry Grad Campaign is an annual community fundraising campaign held in 195 BC Liquor Stores throughout British Columbia. Since 2001, it has raised more than $4.9 million.

During the Support Dry Grad Campaign, BC Liquor Store customers are asked if they would like to donate $1 to help fund alcohol-free celebration events for graduating high school students in their local community. This year's total again demonstrates there are a large number of customers who want to help students celebrate their success in a safe manner.

Fifty-five school districts and the Federation of Independent Schools participated in this year's campaign. All of the contributions made to each store are sent to their local school district. The school districts in turn distribute the funds to the volunteer grad committees, which also fundraise. The money collected is used to pay for alcohol-free graduation events and activities such as dances, camping and bus trips to theme parks.

Quotes:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton -

"I'm impressed by the ongoing generosity shown by British Columbians for the Support Dry Grad Campaign. The Province strongly supports dry grad activities as a way for students to celebrate safely on a night when risk is high. The $459,000 raised for alcohol-free events this year will help grads with options to celebrate their high school graduation in a safe, responsible and fun manner."

BC Liquor Distribution Branch general manager & CEO Blain Lawson -

"BC Liquor Stores is proud to do its part to assist parents and students throughout British Columbia with their Dry Grad fundraising efforts. Support for alcohol-free events and celebrations for high school graduates fits our mandate to prevent underage drinking. On behalf of everyone at the BC Liquor Distribution Branch, I want to congratulate all of the members of this year's graduating class and wish them great success."

For a breakdown of 2013 donations per store and the corresponding school district, visit: http://www.bcldb.com/corporate-social-responsibility/community-fundraising/support-dry-grad

Quick Facts:

• The Support Dry Grad Campaign is part of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch's corporate social responsibility program - a primary focus of which is helping to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors.

• Each year, the Support Dry Grad Campaign begins the last week of February and runs until March 31. During this campaign, BC Liquor Store customers throughout the province are asked if they would like to donate $1 to support alcohol-free graduation events in their communities.

• This year, 55 school districts and the Federation of Independent Schools participated in the campaign. One hundred per cent of the donations collected are distributed to high schools hosting Dry Grad events.

• The first Support Dry Grad Campaign was held in 2001; to date, the campaign has raised more than $4.9 million.

Media contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961

Vince Cournoyer
A/Manager, Communications
BC Liquor Distribution Branch
604 252-2874