Fifth Driven to Quit Challenge launched to fight against cancer

Fifth annual Driven to Quit Challenge launches today

The Ministry of Health Promotion joins the Canadian Cancer Society in the fight against cancer today to launch the fifth Driven to Quit Challenge. Since 2006, The Challenge has been successful in motivating more than 101,000 entrants to get on the road to better health with the support of a "buddy" and motivating prizes.

This year, a 2010 Ford Escape hybrid, two $5,000 vacation getaways and seven regional prizes are up for grabs to Ontario smokers and tobacco users who pledge to quit this March.

"I challenge all adult smokers and tobacco users in the province to gear up to quit," says Rick Perciante, Acting Chief Executive Officer Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. "The Canadian Cancer Society is committed to helping Ontario smokers and tobacco users who want to quit, do just that. It is our hope that The Driven to Quit Challenge offers Ontarians the extra incentive and support that they need to be successful. Visit DrivenToQuit.ca to register today."

"The Driven to Quit Challenge is an important part of our government's Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy. The McGuinty government has done more than any previous Ontario government to help smokers quit. I know that you have it in you to quit. Take up The Challenge to quit and win," says Ontario's Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best.

Friends and family members of smokers are encouraged to become a support buddy in The Challenge for their chance to win a buddy prize. The Challenge will have regular updates and quit tips available on Facebook(C) and Twitter(TM).