Although very pleased with the decrease in smoking rates across the province, BC Lung Association would love to see even more butt out and they’ve brought in Tobacco Free Tuesdays.
This monthly contests challenges people who smoke to quit for 24 hours for the chance to win one of five monthly prizes.
“We know people are trying to quit and it often takes many attempts to be successful,” QuitNow care coach Susan MacNeill said.
“And we also know there’s a 30 per cent higher success rate by utilizing the supports of nicotine replacement therapy and counselling together.”
The contest provides smokers with the opportunity start with a realistic first step and practice quitting; build their quit confidence and skills to help with a future long-term quit; and learn about free quit smoking services at quit now.ca.
Contestants submit their pledge to be tobacco-free for 24 hours from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on each specified Tobacco-Free Tuesday.
The next date to submit is April 1 for the April 2 Tobacco-Free Tuesday. Contestants may enter once per month – every month.
The contest is open to current smokers and ex-smokers who pledge to be tobacco-free for 24 hours on Tobacco-free Tuesday; are B.C. residents; and 19 years of age.
To help in their pledge, contestants are permitted to use nicotine replacement therapies (patch, gum, inhaler or lozenges) during the 24 hour tobacco-free period.
Five $50 gift certificates are award monthly.
Prizes change monthly, so check back each month for details at quit now.ca, Facebook and Twitter after each monthly contest.
“Quitnow.ca website or Facebook page offers links to live chat counsellors, quit now care coaches and community forums to assist with building your personal quit plan,” MacNeill said.
“This Tobacco-Free Tuesday contest is an excellent way
for smokers to have a trial period to see how they can manage not smoking for 24 hours.”