Leading the Way to a Drug-Free Life

Members of the Church of Scientology of Toronto spearhead drug prevention efforts in the Greater Toronto area. For almost two decades the Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life and Drug-Free Marshals campaigns have held literally hundreds of drug awareness events and reached hundreds of thousands of adults and youth with their drug-free message in person and through media. The Drug-Free Marshals Annual Christmas Street Festival held on St. Mary Street in downtown Toronto, now in its seventeenth year, is one of the longest running street festivals in the City.

Mayor David Miller congratulated the work of the Drug-Free Marshals by educating thousands of young people, encouraging them to be drug-free. He recognized that this helps youth realize their potential and promise, leading to happiness, fulfillment and satisfaction in their lives and in the lives of others.

The Beginnings

In 1987, the "Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life" campaign was started by Scientologists concerned about the rising use of harmful drugs on the streets and in the schools of Toronto. Along with other community groups, they organized large concerts in Jamestown, Rexdale and other areas which attracted thousands of people and were used as a vehicle to get out the drug-awareness message. At the same time, they also instituted the Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life pledge which asked individuals, young and old, to pledge to live a drug-free life.

Tremendous Support

Tens of thousands of individuals have since signed the pledge, setting a good example for others. Prominent actors, actresses, sports stars, musicians and artists including members of the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Argonauts, the casts of Phantom of the Opera and Cats all supported the "Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life" campaign by signing. In fact, the campaign became so popular that the blue and white "Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life" t-shirt was reported by the local press as one of the most visible t-shirts in Toronto.

The campaign expanded around Ontario and the mayors of 21 different cities and towns declared Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life days for their citizens. There have been numerous Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life concerts at Nathan Phillip Square and members of the campaign have participated on the Mayor of Toronto's committee on substance abuse.

Drug-free Marshals

The Drug-Free Marshals began in Toronto in 1993 with the purpose of providing a drug awareness message focused to youth. It is a fun campaign for kids and includes a variety of activities from colouring contests, face painting and park cleanups to telling their friends about harmful effects of drugs. The mainstay, however, is the Drug-Free Marshals pledge which is a special seven-point oath for youth and encourages them to stay drug-free and help their friends and family do so as well. Thousands and thousands of children have taken the pledge.

Working in the Community

Members of the Drug-Free Marshals are very active and have produced their own cable television programs. They have cleaned up grafitti on numerous Toronto streets as well as participated in many community programs around the city such as the St. Jamestown Parade, a Taste of Asia, Police Week, Racing Against Drugs and many others. The Drug-Free Marshals Coordinator is a member of the Community/Police Liaison Committee of 52 Division of The Toronoto Police Service.

For more information on the drug prevention programs of the Church, contact us here.