BC Liquor Stores are again giving dry graduation events the ‘thumbs up,’ as part of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s annual Support Dry Grad fundraising campaign.

Throughout the month of March, BC Liquor Stores customers are encouraged to donate a dollar or more to support alcohol-free graduation celebrations in their communities. In return, customers will receive a bright ‘thumbs up’ sticker to write their name on and display in-store to show their support for dry graduation events.

In 2019, 55 school districts, equating to 338 schools, will benefit from the proceeds of the Support Dry Grad campaign.

All donations go to the local school district in which the BC Liquor Store is located, and are distributed to public high schools and participating independent schools that are planning alcohol-free graduation activities.

Contributions by liquor store customers top up funds raised by parents, students and teachers who work all year to raise funds for dry graduation celebrations.

Last year, BC Liquor Store customers raised more than $275,000 to help students around the province celebrate their graduations with fun, alcohol-free events and activities, such as skating, bubble soccer, karaoke and excursions to the Vancouver Aquarium.  

Quotes:

Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO, Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) —

“Every year we look forward to supporting alcohol-free graduation celebrations for students around the province, and every year our BC Liquor Stores customers blow us away with their generosity and support of this important campaign. The LDB’s dry grad campaign is one of our more significant initiatives and highlights our commitment to social responsibility and keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors.”

Rick Mesich, principal, Seaquam Secondary school, Delta —

“The funding that schools receive from the LDB for dry grad celebrations is invaluable in providing safe, entertaining and memorable events for our graduating students. The funding allows our grad committees to plan special events throughout the school year.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2018, 55 school districts and the Federation of Independent Schools participated, representing more than 344 high schools throughout the province.
• Thanks to BC Liquor Stores customers, more than $275,000 was raised during the BC Liquor Stores’ 2018 dry grad campaign.
• Since its inception in 2001, the campaign has raised more than $6.82 million towards alcohol-free graduation events.
• The Support Dry Grad campaign started in 2001 and is a key part of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s corporate social responsibility program — a primary focus of which is to help keep alcohol out of the hands of minors.

Learn More:

LDB corporate social responsibility: www.bcldb.com/corporate-social-responsibility/community-fundraising/support-dry-grad