Starting today, British Columbians are invited to support local dry graduation celebrations by donating at participating BC Liquor Stores throughout the province.

All donations collected between now and March 31, 2015, will help fund alcohol-free events and activities for graduating high school students in their communities.

Contributions by BC Liquor Store customers and employees add to funds raised by parents, students and teachers for alcohol-free graduation celebrations. Each BC Liquor Store gives a small token of appreciation to customers who contribute $1 or more to the Support Dry Grad campaign.

More than 270 high schools in 56 school districts are participating in this year’s campaign. All Support Dry Grad donations raised by BC Liquor Stores go directly to the school district in that area or to the Federation of Independent Schools, which in turn provides the funding to the local grad committees.

Last year, the month-long fundraiser generated over $500,000.  These funds helped more than 52,000 B.C. high school graduates throughout the province celebrate with alcohol-free events and activities, such as carnivals and fortune tellers, and provided party favours, including temporary tattoos.

For more than a decade, the Support Dry Grad campaign in BC Liquor Stores has been an integral part of the Liquor Distribution Branch’s efforts to prevent underage drinking and promote zero consumption by minors. Since its inception, the campaign has raised more than $5.4 million.

Quote:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton -

“Our government is committed to keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors - and the Liquor Distribution Branch, through its social responsibility programs, plays an integral role when it comes to delivering on that commitment. The Support Dry Grad campaign is an important public safety initiative, with government, school districts, parents, teachers and customers working together and doing their part to keep our grads safe while they celebrate their success.”

BC Liquor Distribution Branch general manager and CEO Blain Lawson -

“On behalf of BC Liquor Stores, I would like to congratulate the class of 2015 for reaching one of life’s major milestones. I hope customers will join us and show this year’s graduates how life’s biggest achievements can be celebrated responsibly by making a donation to the Support Dry Grad campaign.”

Quick Facts:

• The first Support Dry Grad campaign was held in 2001 and is at the core of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s corporate social responsibility program - the primary focus of which is helping to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors.
• This year, 56 school districts and the Federation of Independent Schools are participating in the campaign.
• 100% of the donations collected are distributed to over 270 high schools hosting Dry Grad events.

Learn More:

About LDB’s commitment to corporate social responsibility:
www.bcldb.com/corporate-social-responsibility/community-fundraising/support-dry-grad

For high-resolution Support Dry Grad campaign images, contact Tarina Palmer at: Tarina.Palmer@bcldb.com

Media Contacts:

Tarina Palmer
Senior Communications Officer
604 252-3028
604 362-4984 (mobile)