Without the community, Chilliwack's DARE program wouldn't be the success it is today.
Last year, 140 Grade 5 and 6 students in Chilliwack were taught the internationally recognized Drug Abuse Resistance Education program – largely in part thanks to the $2,300 donated from the community.
The donations were received from Chilliwack Mount Cheam Rotary Club, Dogwood Monarch Lions, Kiwanis Club of Sardis, Kiwanis Club of Chilliwack, and Royal Canadian Legion #4.
DARE is a program meant to empower school-aged children with the critical thinking and life skills necessary to choose a drug-free life. Administered by the RCMP, over 200 police officers teach DARE to thousands of children throughout the province every year.
The program is taught by police officers, but the cost of the student learning materials is covered through community donations in order to keep the program free for students.
"We are very grateful to these service clubs for their generous contribution to DARE BC to help cover the cost of learning materials for the students," said Sgt. Gus Papagiannis, who overseas DARE in B.C..
With the new school year on the horizon, the registered charitable organization has begun raising funds to support the 2014-15 DARE program.
Donations can be made online through DARE B.C.'s website at www.darebc.com.