RED RIBBON CAMPAIGN
Each October DrugFree Kids sponsors Idaho's statewide Red Ribbon Week drug awareness campaign. It is an extremely meaningful and significant campaign as it combines efforts across the state between school districts, parents, youth, and businesses all joining together to encourage the wearing of red ribbons and focus on the motto "No use of illegal drugs and no illegal use of legal drugs." DrugFree Kids also coordinates additional activities during Red Ribbon Week to further promote drug awareness and support youth in their involvement in asset-based, positive, alternative activities.
The 19th Annual Red Ribbon Rally will be held on the statehouse steps at noon. The Red Ribbon Campaign originated in 1985 when Federal Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique Kiki Camarena was murdered by drug traffickers. The "Red Ribbon" is a symbol of Americas efforts to increase substance abuse awareness, a way to remember Kiki Camarenas needless death, and symbolize the fight against drug abuse. This years Campaign will be October 23 October 27.
Events Help Students Vow To Stay Away From Drugs
DrugFree Idaho hosted the 18th Annual Red Ribbon Rally (say that one three times fast!) on the statehouse steps Friday afternoon, October 20th. More than 500 area youth donned their red tee-shirts, red bracelets, and red ribbons and raised their arms and voices in a pledge to Be Drug Free.
The event, a fall tradition in Boise, is the kickoff for a week-long campaign of activities, presentations, and education programs throughout our schools. The Red Ribbon Campaign originated in 1985 after Federal Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena was murdered by drug traffickers while working undercover. The "Red Ribbon" is a symbol of America's efforts to increase substance abuse awareness, a way to remember Kiki Camarena's needless death, and a reminder of our ongoing fight against drug abuse.
This year's Red Ribbon Week Campaign takes place October 23rd - October 27th.
Myrna Camarena Covarrubias, sister of "Kiki" Camarena and an investigative assistant for the DEA in Riverside, California, returned to Boise for the third year in a row to speak at the Rally and share her brothers story. Myrna challenged each youth in attendance to go out and repeat the story of the Red Ribbon to five other individuals and prompt them to make the same promise to never use drugs.
The event also featured performances from local elementary school choirs, middle school jazz bands, BSU Cheerleaders, the Summerwind Skippers, Meridians Promise dance team, and a demonstration from Freestyle Defensive Arts. The message came through loud and clear; if you want to excel in school, sports and life, you must be drug free.