Terry Elkady
News Reporter

Leave the Pack Behind, a six-week stop-smoking program that started on Ontario campuses on Jan. 23, is committed to providing a little extra to those looking to butt out.

“There are campus-specific prizes like gift cards and book store cards,” said Karen Macwan, team leader for Humber’s North campus. “There is also the ‘quit for good’ category where they can potentially win $1,000.”

According to the program’s website, people trying to quit through this initiative have an eight per cent success ratio compared to only three per cent for others. To make quitting more enticing, the Ontario-wide college/university initiative is also providing participants with free nicotine replacement therapy for the first time.

“A lot of people do it just to get the quit kit that we give out,” said Ashley Hylands communication team member for campaign.

In addition to these kits, volunteers set up information booths throughout campuses. “We do our booths to educate people,” said Hylands. “The more you know, the better and easier it is.”

To keep participants committed, weekly check-ins are required, in order to qualify for the various prizes.

“We have [carbon monoxide] monitors that they blow into,” said Hylands. “You have to come by every week and blow zero in order to qualify for the contest.”

In past years, the program has helped participants achieve their goal of quitting. “There were a few success stories from last year with people that really wanted to quit and really made an effort,” Hylands said.

Liz Sokol, counselor at Humber’s North campus, said incentives can help drive people to quit smoking. She also added that nicotine addiction is a different breed than others.

“Most drinkers are okay with drinking,” said Sokol. “Most smokers don’t want to smoke, they’re addicted.”

Sokol emphasized the need for organization in attempting to quit. “You need to have a plan and make damn sure you have support.”