Local Youth IMPACT Group Hosts a Smoke-Free Family Movie Night at Lester B. Pearson Elementary School
Your family movie night could be both fun AND informative this November! Waterloo Region’s own IMPACT youth group – a part of Public Health – is hosting their first smoke-free movie night at a local elementary school, Lester B. Pearson. The group, who’s slogan is “Youth Motivating Positive Change”, hopes to use this movie night as a platform to raise awareness about smoking in movies, as well as to educate audiences on the severity of its’ effects on children and teens. Those who participate will enjoy a screening the popular film Despicable Me 2, as well as an array of activities and games for parents and children alike. Activities start at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8th.
IMPACT feels strongly that movies influence what is popular in society. Research shows, the more youth see smoking in movies, the more likely they are to start smoking themselves, regardless of whether they’re from smoking or non-smoking families. Unfortunately smoking in movies isn’t currently taken into consideration when new films are given their ratings. In light of these findings many individuals feel it should be, IMPACT included.
The night will include lots of interactive games for the children, everything from a high-energy ball toss to a photo booth! Popcorn and drinks will be provided by IMPACT. All that you have to do is bring your kids and your blankets, and get cozy!
Despicable Me 2, released July of this year, is the sequel to the popular kids-flick, Despicable Me. In the continuation of the series, the character “Gru” is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a powerful new super criminal. As an all-age film, this movie is sure to be loved by both children and parents. IMPACT hopes that this smoke-free movie will serve to highlight the fact that movies can be a hit without the use of tobacco.
In order to estimate how many people will be attending the movie night IMPACT is asking that everyone RSVP for the event by emailing impact@regionofwaterloo.ca. The gym is sure to fill up quickly, so grab your family and your comfiest movie-watching gear and head on over to Lester B. Pearson to participate in Waterloo’s first youth-lead smoke-free movie night!
If you aren’t able to attend the event but want to learn more about smoke-free movies please visit www.smokefreemovies.ca
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Media Contact:
Candace Harrington
Marketing and Communications
Region of Waterloo Public Health
Ph: 519-883-2244
Cell: 519.501.7598
CaHarrington@regionofwaterloo.ca