Back to SearchKingston, ON - KFL&A Public Health is working in partnership with the provincial organization Leave the Pack Behind who is offering young adults in Ontario between the ages of 18 and 29 a chance to win one of two grand prizes of $2500 cash to quit smoking through the WouldURather… contest.
Young adults have the highest prevalence of smoking than any other age group in our province. WouldURather… is a 6-week contest with the goal to reduce high rates of smoking among young adults in Ontario. There are additional cash prizes to be won for those who reduce their smoking or remain smoke-free.
Not everyone is ready to quit smoking, so the WouldURather… contest lets people choose from one of four categories. Young adults can choose to quit completely in “Quit for Good” or cut back in “Keep the Count”, and “Party Without the Smoke”. Non-smokers or ex-smokers can enter the contest in the “Don’t Start and Win” category, by pledging to stay smoke-free.
“The WouldURather…contest helps hundreds of young 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 is tailored to young adults and encourages the support from a friend or family member to help the person stay motivated and on track. It’s free to enter and there’s a chance to win cash prizes as well,” she said.
Last year, more than 8,500 young adults entered the WouldURather… contest. Research suggests that up to 20% of individuals who enter the contest will quit smoking, compared to the 5% to 7% success rate that can be expected when individuals quit smoking on their own. The contest is successful through providing motivation to be part of a community of people all trying to be healthier. Contestants receive positive e-mails and get access to other resources that boost chances of quitting even more!
WouldURather… contest is available to all young adults ages 18 to 29 who are residents of Ontario. Registration is open online from November 15, 2018 to January 27, 2019 and runs from January 28, 2019 to March 10, 2019.
Leave the PackBehind (LTPB) is an age-tailored, comprehensive tobacco control initiative offered year-round for young adults in Ontario. LTPB provides free, easily accessible do-it-yourself programs and services that have been developed for young adults and have been proven to be successful. LTPB began in 2000 and is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Important dates:
Registration: November 15, 2018 to January 27, 2019
Contest: January 28 to March 10, 2019
Winners announced: March 2019
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