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PSA

CITIZENS INVITED TO DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATING A SMOKE-FREE COMMUNITY

Waterloo – Friends of The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation and area residents are invited to attend the Annual Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, May 25th at the AR Kaufman YMCA, 333 Carwood Drive, Kitchener from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

"Research has shown that an overwhelming majority of smokers and non-smokers agree that outdoor smoking bans are good for the wellbeing of their community and the wellbeing of their children," shares Ryan Kennedy, Scientist from the University of Waterloo’s Propel Centre and one of the event presenters. "Restricting outdoor smoking is about protecting people from exposure to dangerous second-hand smoke, but it's also about creating a healthy community. We know the outdoor smoking ban in Woodstock, Ontario helped smokers cut down how much they smoke, and helped some quit and stay quit."

The Town Hall Meeting is held annually and focuses on identifying and communicating important leadership issues to the community.

“Kitchener-Waterloo's strengths are often recognized and celebrated. Yet, conversation about our shared challenges is somewhat more reserved," shares Rosemary Smith, CEO of KWCF. “Each year we take what we’ve learned from our work on the quality of life snapshot Waterloo Region’s Vital Signs and highlight an area of need in our community. This year’s Town Hall will provide an opportunity for our citizens to learn more about creating a smoke-free community – one that is healthier for us all.”

Presenters:

Ryan Kennedy, Scientist, Propel Centre, University of Waterloo

Jonathan Mall, Tobacco and Cancer Prevention Manager, Public Healt,

Ben Hagon, Hagon Designs