The Middlesex-London Health Unit is inviting families from across the region to its Smoke-Free Movie Night in Victoria Park this week. This Friday, the MLHU and its One Life One You youth advocacy group will be partnering with the Canadian Cancer Society for a screening of Pixar Studios’ hit film, Finding Dory. The Health Unit’s fifth annual Smoke-Free Movie night aims to spread the word that smoking in youth-rated movies is not okay.

A recent study that focused on exposure to onscreen tobacco use in top-grossing movies released between 2004 and 2013, found that 86% of films depicting tobacco use were youth-rated in Ontario. With the evidence showing that the more children and youth see smoking in movies, the more likely they are to start smoking, it is critical to get smoking and tobacco use out of youth-rated movies.

The Smoke-Free Movie Night will feature games, interactive activities, face painting and a family photo booth.

Please note: Friday evening’s forecast currently calls for cloudy skies with a 30 percent chance of showers. Families who plan to attend the Smoke-Free Movie Night are encouraged to dress warmly and to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. In case of poor weather, the Smoke-Free Movie Night will be rescheduled to Saturday, September 24th.

What: Smoke-Free Movie Night screening of Pixar Studios’ Finding Dory

Where: Victoria Park

When: Friday, September 23rd, 2016
Pre-show interactive activities begin at 5:00 p.m., movie at dusk.

Who: Members of the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Chronic Disease and Tobacco Control Team, One Life One You and the Canadian Cancer Society

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

Spokesperson:
Linda Stobo, Manager of the Chronic Disease Prevention and Tobacco Control Team, 519-663-5317 extension 2388.