London, ON –Looking for a fun and inexpensive way to spend time with your whole family? Then gather your lawn chairs, blankets and snacks and make your way to Victoria Park on Friday, September 27th for London’s second Smoke-Free Movie Night. The Middlesex-London Health Unit’s One Life One You youth group, in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society and the YMCA, is spreading the word that smoking in youth-rated movies is not okay. This year’s feature is the animated film Wreck-it Ralph. Games and activities get underway at 6:00 p.m., followed by the film at dusk. Last year nearly 1,500 people attended the first Smoke-Free Movie Night.

“There’s a long standing relationship between Hollywood and the tobacco industry that often results in depictions of tobacco use on the big screen that have nothing to do with the story,” says Tanya Weishar, Health Promoter with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “It gives young people the impression that everybody smokes, especially role models, and that sends the wrong message to children and youth.”

The evening will include games, interactive activities, face painting and free popcorn provided by One Life One You and staff and volunteers from the Health Unit, Canadian Cancer Society and the YMCA.

Produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, Wreck-it Ralph tells the story of a video game villain who longs to be a hero. The film is appropriate for all ages; children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The evening is part of the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s effort to highlight that the more youth and young adults are exposed to tobacco use in movies, the more likely they are to start using tobacco products themselves.

“Movies don’t need to show tobacco use to be entertaining”, says Eleane Paguaga, Youth Leader with One Life One You. “The movie’s message reinforces the one Life On You message that there is nothing we would rather be than tobacco-free”.

The current forecast for London calls for sunshine and a high of 20 degrees and a low of 11 on Friday. Families who come to the Smoke-Free Movie Night are encouraged to dress warmly and to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317, extension 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Tanya Weishar, Health Promoter, Middlesex-London Health Unit