Noha Hassan has decided to butt out — and she’s counting on a Canadian Cancer Society initiative to help her out. The Driven to Quit Challenge is hoping to get 1,000 Torontonians to make a commitment to quit smoking from Wednesday until the end of March.
Participants will be eligible to win prizes, including a new car, a vacation and cash.
“I have been thinking about quitting for the past two years but I never took the step,” said Hassan, who has been smoking a pack a day for the past 15 years.
“This is the first time I’ll take the step for my health and finances so I can do more.”
People can join the challenge at www.DrivenToQuit.ca
Martin Kabat, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, said 15% of people in the province smoke and that tobacco use accounts for 30% of cancer cases.
“Today, Ontarians have extra motivation to make an attempt to quit smoking.
And, the Canadian Cancer Society can provide the support they need to doso,” added Kabat.
The province is committed to helping smokers break the cycle of tobacco addiction, said Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews. “Every attempt to quit is a vital part of this process, and with the right resources and motivation, Ontarians have a better chance of success,” she said.