Innovative contest asks kids to get graphic on smoking

As part of its dedication to the lung health of Alberta’s youth, The Lung Association, Alberta & NWT is hosting the first ever anti-tobacco photo contest for students in grades 7 -9. From September 15th-October 30th, Alberta youth in these grades are encouraged to submit photos illustrating the negative effects of tobacco use in keeping with one of seven categories. Online voting is open to all Alberta residents through www.blastsmokingforgood.ca.

The BLAST Smoking for Good Photo Contest is intended to raise awareness in Alberta of the negative effects of tobacco use on individuals as well as communities. As students actively participate in creating materials to be used in future counter-marketing campaigns, they also assume the meaningful role of advocate for change.

This innovative project allows students to choose from seven categories related to smoking, with the goal of critiquing smoking not glamorizing it. Winning photos in each category will receive up to $500 with the schools of the winning photographers eligible for Youth Action Grants of up to $5000. Interest in the contest is spreading like wild fire! After just two weeks 5494 people have visited the contest site to vote for the growing number of entries.

With 5 weeks remaining in the contest, we encourage Albertans in grades 7 -9, to enter to win cash prizes for themselves and their schools. We also urge our fellow Albertans to visit www.blastsmokingforgood.ca to view the provocative images submitted by students so far and vote for their favorites.

Get involved and help us Blast Smoking for Good. Get involved and help us Blast Smoking for Good
BLAST stands for Building Leadership for Action in Schools Today and is geared towards students in grades 7 to 9. The program challenges youth to think critically about the tobacco industry and its products, and the social and health effects of tobacco. Through interactive and exciting methods, youth are empowered to become leaders and advocates in their schools and communities.

Survey data reveals that smoking rates among youth aged 15-24 is disturbingly high at 18 percent. As tobacco kills an estimated 3,000 Albertans annually we are gearing our efforts to help foster a new generation of non smokers.

The Lung Association raises and allocates funds for critical research, advocates in public policy, provides patient support, and is the primary information source for the lung health of all.

Deb Steele
Director of Communications
The Lung Association, Alberta & NWT
P.O. Box 4500, Station South, Edmonton, AB, T6E 6K2
Phone - Edmonton and Nunavut: (780) 488- 6995 x:2242
Toll Free- Alberta and NWT: 1-888-566-5864 x: 2242
Fax: (780) 488-7195
Email: dsteele@ab.lung.ca
Website: www.ab.lung.ca

When you can't breathe, nothing else matters