Sober driving during the holiday season was top of mind on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, as Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy helped launch MADD Canada’s Red Ribbon Campaign with members of the Springhill detachment of the RCMP, the Springhill Fire Department, Cumberland North MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin and EHS.
“This important initiative serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to keep our roads safe and to make the commitment never to drive impaired,” Mayor Gilroy said. “As we enter the holiday season, I encourage all residents to display a red ribbon on their vehicles, keys, or clothing as a visible pledge to drive sober and support the victims and families affected by impaired driving. Together, we can honour those we have lost and help prevent future tragedies.”
This is the 38th year for the campaign.
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy was joined by members of the Cumberland-Tantramar Chapter of MADD Canada, RCMP, Cumberland North MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, EHS and the Springhill Fire Department in launching the 38th Red Ribbon Campaign on Monday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Springhill. Darrell Cole – Municipality of Cumberland
Across Canada, MADD Canada chapter volunteers will distribute red ribbons and car decals, and host local events to raise awareness and funds to fight impaired driving and support victims and survivors.
Once Canadians get their red ribbons and/or car decals, they are encouraged to tie them or display them on their vehicles, key chains, and personal belongings, and share their commitment on social media using the hashtag #ProjectRedRibbon as a visible pledge to sober driving and a tribute to all victims and survivors of impaired driving.
Public service announcements on radio and television will also reinforce the importance of sober driving throughout the holiday season.
The ribbons are a reminder to never drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver, plan ahead and make driving arrangements if you are going to be drinking alcohol or consuming cannabis. Arrange for a designated driver, a cab or stay the night at the location and call 911 if you suspect that a driver is impaired.
“Each red ribbon symbolizes hope, remembrance, and the unwavering dedication to preventing senseless tragedies caused by impaired driving,” Cindy Kormish of the Cumberland-Tantramar Chapter of MADD Canada said.
Cormish said the campaign is about inspiring others to make responsible choices.
Between 2020 and 2024, Cormish said, there were 15 fatalities and 52 serious injuries due to impaired driving in Cumberland County. In Nova Scotia in 2024 there were 77 lives lost and 180 serious injuries from impaired driving.
“Impaired driving remains the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada,” Cormish said.
The campaign runs through Jan. 5, 2026.
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy reads a proclamation declaring Nov. 12, 2025, as Project Red Ribbon Day within the Municipality as part of MADD Canada’s launch of the 38th annual national campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving during the holiday season. Darrell Cole – Municipality of Cumberland photo