BC Liquor Stores have kicked off this year’s Support Dry Grad fundraising campaign.

Until March 31, BC Liquor Stores customers will be able to support dry grad celebrations in their communities by donating $1.00 or more at  their local BC Liquor Stores. All donations will be distributed to high schools planning alcohol-free graduation celebrations.

This year, 55 school districts are participating in the campaign. The contributions by liquor store customers are added to funds raised by parents, students and teachers, who work all year to raise funds for dry  graduation activities.

Locally residents will be able to show their support at both the B.C. Liquor stores in the Village of Radium Hot Springs and in Invermere.

Doug Schick is the manager of the Invermere liquor store.

He feels this is an important way for stores and residents of B.C. to support a great program. “This gives the students the opportunity to have fun in a weekend. It is a safe time for them to be together,” Schick said.

Last year, BC Liquor Stores customers across the province donated a total of $548,157 in support of dry graduation events.

The annual Support Dry Grad campaign is part of BC Liquor Stores’ corporate social responsibility program. This program promotes the responsible use of beverage alcohol, a program that includes the prevention of underage drinking and promotion of zero consumption for minors. Chocolates are given to customers in recognition of their donation to the Support Dry Grad campaign.

Now in its 11th year, BC Liquor Stores’ award-winning Support Dry Grad campaign has raised over $3.4 million toward alcohol-free graduation events for students.