BC Liquor Stores begins this year's Support Dry Grad fundraising campaign on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008.

Until March 31, BC Liquor Store customers will be able to support dry grad celebrations in their communities by donating $1 or more at their local BC Liquor Store. All donations will be distributed to high schools planning alcohol-free graduation celebrations.

Now in its eighth year, BC Liquor Stores' Support Dry Grad campaign has raised more than $1.67 million towards alcohol-free graduation events.

BC Liquor Stores won the Retail Council of Canada's Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative Award for its Support Dry Grad program in 2007.

This year, 55 school districts are participating in the campaign. The contributions by liquor store customers top up funds raised by parents, students and teachers who work all year to raise funds for dry graduation activities. Last year, BC Liquor Store customers across the province donated a total of $478,000 in support of dry graduation events.

BC Liquor Stores will provide sample-sized packages of chocolates to customers as a thank-you for their donation. The annual Support Dry Grad campaign is part of BC Liquor Stores public safety and social responsibility program to promote the responsible use of beverage alcohol - a program that includes the prevention of underage drinking and promotion of zero consumption for minors.
Liquor Distribution Branch
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General