Support Dry Grad to give students safe, alcohol-free celebrations

VANCOUVER — Local grad committees looking to raise funds for alcohol-free high school graduation celebrations and activities will once again get a helping hand from community members and the BC Liquor Distribution Branch.

From Feb. 28 to March 31, 2016, BC Liquor Stores will be collecting donations for local Support Dry Grad initiatives — and will be thanking customers that contribute one dollar or more with a small token of appreciation. One hundred per cent of all donations raised by BC Liquor Stores will go directly to the school district in their area or to the Federation of Independent Schools, which in turn will give the funding to participating local grad committees.

More than 270 high schools in 55 school districts are participating in this year's campaign. Last year, the month-long fundraiser generated over $400,000, which helped more than 52,000 B.C. high school graduates throughout the province take part in alcohol-free events and activities. These celebrations included dances, mock casino nights, karaoke contests, games, fortune
tellers and carnivals.

Now in its 16th year, the Support Dry Grad campaign has been an integral part of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch's efforts to prevent underage drinking and promote zero consumption by minors. Since its inception, the campaign has raised more than $5.85 million.

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 to help keep alcohol out of the hands of minors. 
• This year, 55 school districts and the Federation of Independent Schools are participating in the campaign. 
• One hundred per cent of all donations collected will be distributed to over 270 high schools hosting Dry Grad events. 

Learn More:
 

• About LDB's commitment to corporate social responsibility: http://www.bcldb.com/corporate-social-responsibility/community-fundraising/support-dry-grad 
• For high-resolution Support Dry Grad campaign images, contact Viola Kaminski at: [email protected]

Media Contact:

BC Liquor Distribution Branch Communications

604-252-3029