Once again Langley consumers – specifically those visiting local government-run liquor stores – have come through for 2019 graduates.
Langley was one of the top five stores in all of B.C., during the month of March, when it came to fundraising for dry grads.
The irony that booze sales and booze-driven fundraiser, like the upcoming Walnut Grove Secondary school’s barn dance, are not lost on me. But I applaud any efforts to help provide an alcohol-free high school graduation celebration, and if that’s what it takes, so be it.
This year, Langley raised $7,275.
It was the second largest amount raised through B.C. liquor stores. Langley was only beat out by Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, which raised $8,267.
Liquor stores customers have again helped British Columbian Grade 12 students, raising more than $280,000 as part of the annual March dry grad campaign for alcohol-free high school graduation celebrations.
These funds will support dry grad committees at more than 335 high schools in 55 school districts throughout the province, said Blain Lawson, the liquor distribution branch general manager and CEO.
“Every year, we are blown away by the generosity of our customers and their fervour to get behind the Support Dry Grad campaign,” Lawson said.
“The response is testament to the level of commitment from our customers and employees to keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors, and encouraging them to participate in safe, fun and memorable graduation celebrations.”
All donations raised by BC Liquor Stores (BCLS) go to the school district in which the store is located.
Funds are distributed to public high schools and participating independent schools planning alcohol-free graduation activities.
“We are overjoyed with customers’ response to our Support Dry Grad Campaign this year,” said John Derinzy, senior manager, of the Maple Ridge provincial liquor store. “Our team at Haney BC Liquor Store #065 is very proud to support our community and the alcohol-free graduation celebration in this manner.”
The generosity of customers throughout this year’s campaign brings the grand total of funds raised since the campaign’s inception in 2001 to more than $7.1 million.
Organized by students, parents and schools, dry grad events allow students to celebrate graduation in a fun, alcohol-free environment. Examples of alcohol-free graduation events planned include dances and karaoke contests.
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Coffee with Aldag
Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting its Coffee & Conversation with a local politician. This time, it’s MP John Aldag. This happens Wednesday, April 24, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Cost, $15. Pre-registration required by calling 604-371-3770.
