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| Lamington drives: Traditional Aussie fundraiser |
An ambitious campaign has been launched to stamp out alcohol-related fundraising efforts by schools.
Principals across Australia will this week receive a letter from Australian National Council on Drugs chairman Dr John Herron, urging an end to all booze-related money-spinners.
Wine "drives" conducted via newsletters, liquor "tasting events" on school premises, and alcoholic bottles featuring school logos are on his list of concerns.
Dr Herron believes schools are in a position to counter the "huge problem" of alcohol misuse, which he says costs Australians an estimated $36 billion a year.
"You can't wring your hands and talk about alcohol-inspired (problems), youth binge drinking, the violence that's occurring on the streets, and then say 'who's responsible?'
"Everybody has to start thinking about their own personal involvement, in this case through the schools," Dr Herron said.
In a letter to principals, Dr Herron said he was "seeking the agreement of all schools across Australia to not become involved with any marketing, sale or distribution of alcohol".
Several online fundraising companies offer deals for schools, and even kindergartens, as alternatives to traditional chocolate and lamington drives.
Australian Secondary Principals Association's Sheree Vertigan said she opposed alcohol fundraisers, but admitted some "slipped under the radar". "Sometimes parent groups organise things which involve alcohol, with the very best intentions in the world," said Ms Vertigan, who is also on the ANCD board.
"Parents and community groups seek whatever way they can. They come up with innovative ideas and sometimes alcohol has been (used) ... to raise funds, and people haven't taken the time or been aware of the possible consequences.
"I think we all know subliminal messages have a huge impact on young people. Through attaching (fundraisers) to a school newsletter, we're legitimising them and saying it's all right for students to be transporting information about alcohol between the home and school."
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