Wouldurather Contest

Saturday, 29 November 2014 07:23

Oxford County Public Health has a new cash incentive contest to encourage young adult smokers to cut back.

OXFORD COUNTY -- Oxford Public Health is urging young adult smokers to cut back or quit smoking for a chance to win cash.

Tobacco Control Coordinator Gemma Urbani explains the purpose behind the 'Wouldurather' contest being hosted by Oxford Public Health and 'Leave the Pack Behind'.

"So the contest is for young adults who are 18 to 29 and anyone who is enrolled in a post secondary institution across the province and it's a quit smoking or a reduce smoking contest with a chance to win up to $2500."

There are four categories that those interested in registering will choose from. "One is quit for good which people would quit smoking completely and they have the chance to win 25-hundred. The other is keep the count which is cutting back the number of cigarettes you're smoking per day by 50 percent with a chance to win a $1000. The third category is party without the smoke which is cutting out smoking when drinking and that is the chance to win $750. And then don't start and win, so this is the category for people who are ex-smokers or non-smokers if they continue to not start they have the chance to win $250."

Registration is open from December 1st to January 25th. Visit wouldurather.ca for eligibility and contest rules.

Urbani stresses finding ways to help young adult smokers quit is important as "the young adult population has a higher than average smoking rate and there's not many things that are tailored specifically for young adults so this is a great contest that is designed specifically with prizes that are designed specifically for them and it runs at a time of year where everyone is considering quitting."

In the release from Public Health, they say contestants who choose to reduce smoking or stay smoke-free can also win tuition waivers, and gift cards to community and campus retailers. All contestants receive motivational e-mails and support from a buddy as well.

Urbani says those looking to quit can also check out leavethepackbehind.org for free, 8 week supplies of nicotine gum and patches.