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10 April 2002

 

Fabulous Prizes to Quit Smoking

 

The National Council Against Smoking has launched a tempting new campaign with fabulous prizes to encourage and support smokers who want to quit smoking. A cash prize of US $ 10 000 and a trip for 2 to London (with Virgin Atlantic) are on offer for those who stop smoking for at least 4 weeks during May.

 

"Most smokers want to stop smoking" says Peter Ucko, acting director of the National Council Against Smoking, "but most keep finding excuses for putting off the decision. Well now they have an extra incentive to quit - - fantastic prizes in addition to fabulously improved health prospects".

 

In order to qualify for the prize draw, smokers must quit for at least 4 weeks from 2nd May to World No Tobacco Day on 31st May. Help in quitting smoking (including a free booklet) is available from the Council's Quit Line on (011) 720-3145. Entry forms will also be available from all Link and LinkMax pharmacies or on the web at www.quitandwin.org

 

Approximately 22% of SA adults are smokers. About 25 000 South Africans die every year from tobacco-related illnesses. That's more than 2 000 deaths EVERY MONTH. Although shocking, such statistics are not enough to motivate smokers to quit. Quit & Win 2002 offers smokers added reasons to quit smoking and win back their health.

 

Benefits of quitting smoking include:

  • Improved health, fewer worries of cancer, heart attacks, lung disease and complications of pregnancy.
  • More money - the pack a day smoker will save about R4 000 a year.
  • No more smelly clothes or dirty ashtrays.
  • Freedom from a deadly addiction

Additional information for Editors:

  • The South African winner will, in addition to the trip to London, be eligible for an Africa regional prize of USD 2,500 - about R 30 000 and the international Quit & Win 2002 super prize of USD 10,000 - about R 120 000.
  • We will happily provide interviews with experts in smoking and addiction in order to help you generate articles and interviews about the benefits of quitting smoking.
  • In South Africa, Quit & Win 2002 is being organised by the National Council Against Smoking in conjunction with the international organising body which includes the World Health Organisation. The Department of Health supports the initiative. Pharmacia Corporation is our commercial partner. The Tobacco Action Group, CANSA and the Heart Foundation are local partners.
  • We need your support to publicise this competition.