To the editor:
This is my second letter to our local newspaper about the South Cariboo P.A.R.T.Y. program.
This program, provides Grade 10 students the skills and knowledge they need to avoid risky choices that can result in injury or death.
P.A.R.T.Y. stands for Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth.
Our local program is now in its 16th year of providing day-long sessions for Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO) students at the 100 Mile District General Hospital – all with dedicated volunteers and with generous donations from local businesses and other organizations.
I’d like to thank the parents, caregivers, coaches and teachers of the students who attend P.A.R.T.Y. sessions.
For the most part, these students are polite, thoughtful and sensitive. I can’t remember the last time a student talked or wasn’t paying attention during a presentation.
I personally have never heard a student’s cell phone go off during P.A.R.T.Y. They always thank our presenters individually and thank all of us at the end of the day.
They ask very thoughtful questions that make me realize these young adults do think beyond themselves and about the doctors, nurses, paramedics, police officers, firefighters, physiotherapists, coroners, survivors and other people who give up their time on P.A.R.T.Y. day to help them make good choices.
They often want to know how these people cope with the trauma they frequently endure in their jobs.
We have older students and alumni who are now volunteering with the program because they believe it saves lives.
It is so refreshing and rewarding to talk to these students and it makes me believe we have a bright future ahead with these youth!
I’m looking forward to the last P.A.R.T.Y. sessions on April 20. Feel free to join us and/or visit our Facebook page for more information.
Laura Dewar
Acting P.A.R.T.Y. co-ordinator
