Red ribbons aren’t just for gifts this holiday season; MADD Canada is using them to fight impaired driving.
Lou Van de Vorst is the vice-president of the Saskatoon campaign.
He lost his son Jordan, daughter-in-law Chanda and two grandchildren Kamryn and Miguire, when a drunk driver hit their vehicle on Jan. 3, 2016.
He told Saskatchewan Afternoon host David Kirton that the ribbons show peoples intentions to drive sober.
“Basically it’s more public awareness, please don’t drink and drive,” Van de Vorst explained. “That’s the message we want to get out this Christmas season.”
Wearing the ribbons or displaying them on vehicles shows people are taking a hard stance on impaired driving, he said.
“If I go out and go to a party or something like that, I will have another ride home– another way to get home rather than just take my car,” Van de Vorst said.
The campaign focuses on the holiday season because of how social it is.
“It’s a big party season,” he said. “We’re (MADD) not against drinking at all, it’s just a question of drinking and driving.”
The ribbons are available at several stores in Saskatoon.
Van de Vorst said donations aren’t necessary to pick one up but it is appreciated.