Contest offers cash as an incentive to help people quit smoking

Kingston, ON – KFL&A Public Health supports the Canadian Cancer Society’s First Week Challenge contest that offers adults 19 years of age or older a chance to win $500 to quit smoking for the first 7 days of the month. If someone is successful in quitting smoking for 7 days, the research shows that they are nine times more likely to quit for good. 

“The First Week Challenge contest has helped hundreds of adults throughout the province quit smoking, cut back on the number of cigarettes they smoke or remain smoke-free,” said Debra Vine, RN, Public Health Nurse. “The contest recognizes that it is not easy to quit smoking and in order to succeed sometimes it may take more than one attempt to quit.  This contest offers 12 First Weeks in a year for people to attempt to quit. It’s free to enter and there’s a chance to win cash prizes as well,” she said.

To enter, go to the First Week Challenge registration at smokershelpline.ca/register. Each month, all registrants who have quit smoking for the first 7 days of the month are entered into a prize draw that takes place at the end of the First Week quit period. Potential winners must be able to prove that they have remained tobacco-free for the duration of the contest.  Once tobacco-free status has been verified, there will be one winner chosen and awarded a $500 cash prize. 

KFL&A Public health and the Canadian Cancer Society hope this Challenge will be the little extra nudge that people need to turn their urge to quit into action.  Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. And don’t worry—we know that in order to succeed sometimes you have to quit and quit again. The good news is there are 12 first weeks in the year, each with a chance to win cash. Don’t let another First Week go by.

The Canadian Cancer Society has offered the First Week Challenge contest year-round for adults since 2016 in association with Nicoderm® and Nicorette®.