Hamilton area man trades in cigarettes for new car

Canadian Cancer Society's Driven to Quit Challenge has helped more than 222,000 Ontarians make a quit attempt

Video b-roll and photos of event available for download: http://bit.ly/1QqmMKx

HAMILTON, ON, May 7, 2015 /CNW/ - Chris Taylor is the 2015 Driven to Quit Challenge Grand Prize winner after staying smoke-free for the month of March, with the support of the Canadian Cancer Society's Smokers' Helpline.

Chris, 33 was awarded his new car — a Toyota Corolla S — at a prize presentation today at Upper James Toyota, a subsidiary of Parkway Motors Hamilton.

Chris, from Waterdown, Ontario, had signed up for the Challenge in a previous year with the support of a buddy, but at that time was unable to successfully quit. When he came down with the flu earlier this year, he decided to give it another try.

"I learned that the timing has to be right if you want to quit," Chris explains. "The first few days are the toughest, but after that it gets a lot better."

The Driven to Quit Challenge is an annual health promotion campaign in association with McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a division of Johnson & Johnson Inc., the makers of NICODERM® and NICORETTE®.  The Challenge is designed to motivate adult Ontario tobacco users to quit smoking or other forms of tobacco for the month of March by offering the chance to win cash prizes or the grand prize of a new vehicle.

Research shows that if people can stop smoking for a month they are five times more likely to remain smoke-free for good.¹ Quitline support, such as Smokers' Helpline, more than doubles the likelihood of quitting successfully.²

"While most people who smoke want to quit, it is one of the hardest things they will face in their lives. With support from Smokers' Helpline and incentives like a new car, we know people can quit for good," says John Atkinson, Director, Cancer Prevention and Tobacco Control, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. "We congratulate everyone who participated in this year's Driven to Quit Challenge and hope they encourage others to get on the path to a tobacco-free life."

Seven regional winners from across Ontario were awarded $1,000 each for completing the Driven to Quit Challenge:

• Adrian Campbell from London
• Karen Chamberlain from Cannifton
• Tracy Jalava from Atikokan
• Sylvie Larouche from Sault Ste. Marie
• Katherine Maruya from Barrie
• Deborah Paylove from Niagara Falls
• Robin Silverman from East York

Since 2006, the Driven to Quit Challenge has inspired more than 222,000 Ontarians to make a quit attempt. Anyone looking to quit smoking is encouraged to get support by connecting with the Canadian Cancer Society's Smokers' Helpline, toll-free, at 1-877-513-5333 and SmokersHelpline.ca.

About the Driven to Quit Challenge
The Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division's Driven to Quit Challenge is a health promotion campaign intended to motivate Ontario smokers and tobacco users to make a quit attempt with the support of a "buddy". Entrants who remain tobacco free for the month of March 2015 are eligible to win a car or cash prizes. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the free support services of Smokers' Helpline and all entrants receive discount coupons for NICODERM® or NICORETTE® nicotine replacement therapy products. The Challenge is in association with McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a division of Johnson & Johnson Inc., makers of NICODERM® and NICORETTE®.  The grand prize sponsor is Parkway Motors of Hamilton, Ontario.  

About the Canadian Cancer Society Smokers' Helpline
Smokers' Helpline is a free service that provides personalized support, advice and information about quitting smoking and tobacco use. Operated by the Canadian Cancer Society and funded by the Government of Ontario, Smokers' Helpline offers support by telephone, online and text messaging.  To learn more, call 1-877-513-5333 or the number on cigarette packages or SmokersHelpline.ca.

About Parkway Motors Hamilton
Parkway Nissan, Red Hill Toyota Scion and Upper James Toyota are subsidiaries of Parkway Motors Hamilton; a family owned and operated company serving the communities of Greater Hamilton and Grimsby for over 30 years. Parkway Motors Hamilton and its subsidiaries are proud supporters of initiatives like Driven to Quit; they believe a healthy community is a strong community.

About McNeil Consumer Healthcare, division of Johnson & Johnson Inc.
McNeil Consumer Healthcare, division of Johnson & Johnson Inc. markets a broad range of well-known and trusted over-the-counter products. McNeil Consumer Healthcare is most widely recognized for the TYLENOL® brand. Other McNeil Consumer Healthcare brands include NICODERM® and NICORETTE® Nicotine Replacement Therapies,  BENADRYL® and REACTINE® allergy medicines; IMODIUM® anti-diarrheal; PEPCID® and ZANTAC® for digestive health, and  MOTRIN® Ibuprofen.

About the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization dedicated to preventing cancer, saving lives and supporting people living with cancer through research funding, services and advocacy. We are Canada's largest charity fighting all types of cancer and leading authority on cancer statistics and information. To learn more, call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca.

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¹ West, R, Stapleton, J., Clinical and public health significance of treatments to aid smoking cessation. European Respiratory Review, December 1, 2008 vol. 17 no. 110 199-204.

² Fiore, MC, et al., Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update—Clinical Practice Guideline, U.S. Public Health Service, May 2008.

SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division)

For further information: Media contacts: Daniel Paquette, PR counsel, dpPR, 416-413-7714, [e-mail]; www.dppr.ca; Reena Kudhail, Communications Specialist, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, 416-323-7023, [e-mail]