Nicol Gionet

Sue Nielsen
Speaker Reporter

This week’s Twenty Questions features an interview with Nicole Gionet. She is a Board Member/Finance Coordinator of the Temiskaming Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
1. What is your full name?
Nicole Marie Gionet
2. Where were you born?
Chapleau, Ontario
3. What local organization are you involved with?
MADD Timiskaming and Area Chapter
4. What is your role with the Temiskaming Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)?
I am currently a board member for the Chapter as well as the finance coordinator.
5. Tell us a little about MADD?
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada) is a charitable, grassroots organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. At the heart of MADD Canada are our volunteers who include not only mothers, but fathers, friends, business professionals, experts in the anti-impaired driving field and concerned citizens who want to make a difference in the fight against impaired driving.
MADD Canada’s aim is to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness about the dangers of impaired driving by alcohol and or drugs, and to save lives and prevent injuries on our roads. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is a terrible crime that touches all of our lives and it is an irresponsible, dangerous and intolerable act.
6. Why are you involved with this group?
I am involved with the Timiskaming and Area Chapter to help promote a very important message. Did you know that everyday four Canadians are killed and 200 are injured as a result of impaired driving crashes? I didn’t think so! Most people don’t realize the importance of this statistic. Thousands of Canadians are personally affected each year by impaired driving. If my involvement with the chapter helps eliminate the death and injuries of innocent people caused by impaired driving and support victims, then I know through my involvement that I have been able to convey MADD Canada’s message.
7. What campaigns do you undertake to get your message across?
The Project Red Ribbon Campaign is one of the biggest campaigns our local chapter is involved in. Each year, from the beginning of November to the first Monday after January 1, volunteers distribute red ribbons and ask the community to display a ribbon on their vehicle or on a personal item. The red ribbon is a significant symbol. By displaying this ribbon, you are making a personal commitment to drive sober.
Campaign 911 is also another campaign that is undertaken by the chapter to encourage and empower the community to report suspected impaired driving by calling 911.
8. Are people getting the message, or are more people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
I wish that I could say that people are getting the message but it would not be true. There are more people driving under the influence. MADD Canada has released the latest statistics on drinking and driving and there has been an increase of three per cent. Even though some people take the responsibility of staying at a friends or taking a taxi home, some still have a blood alcohol concentration over the limit when they wake up early the next morning and drive. People don’t understand just how long the alcohol takes to leave your bloodstream. There are more and more people being stopped during ride programs and losing their licenses in the morning hours for this reason.
9. What do the MADD Timiskaming and Area chapter volunteers do?
Volunteers are the heart and soul of MADD Canada. Our volunteers support victims and families of impaired driving related injuries. They bring about changes to impaired driving legislation, raise awareness and educate the public about the dangers of impaired driving which is a critical strategy for preventing more deaths and injuries. They also partner with local enforcement agencies, liaise with the media, educate youth through yearly Multi-media presentations and dead days as well as raise funds to support local programs.
10. Any upcoming events you would like to promote?
The new Multi-media programs “Shattered” and “En Éclats” presentation to students will be scheduled in our community for the month of October. As well, the Launch of the Project Red Ribbon Campaign will be taking place for the local chapter. There are two good reasons to tie a red ribbon on a motor vehicle. The first is to show respect for the thousands of Canadians who have lost their lives or who have been injured due to alcohol-related crashes. The second reason is to remind people to drive sober through the holidays and throughout the year. The local chapter would greatly appreciate the communities involved for this campaign.
11. How is MADD funded?
Funding for MADD is provided by individual donors, memorial donations, community fundraising events, corporate sponsors, project red ribbon and planned giving. MADD Canada contacts hundreds of thousands of households each year through our direct mail, telephone and door-to-door fundraising campaigns. Each household receives information about the dangers of impaired driving and its devastating impact on victims. We gratefully acknowledge the commitments of our donors.
12. What is the Temiskaming MADD chapter’s mission?
MADD Timiskaming and Area Chapter’s Mission Statement is to stop impaired driving and support victims of this violent crime.
13. Do you have a Board of Directors?
Yes, the local chapter MADD Timiskaming and Area has a board of chapter members. We also have a National Board of Directors through MADD Canada’s Head office.
14. How can people join your group?
If there is anyone in the community interested in joining the chapter they can call 705-672-5101 and leave a detailed message and a volunteer would glady get back to you in a timely manner. You could also send an email to maddtemdongrosz@ntl.sympatico.ca. Whether you are interested in getting involved or just want to come out and see what MADD is all about, you are always welcome to join us at our monthly meeting which take place every third Wednesday of the month and the Dymond Fire Hall.
15. Are you in favour of stricter impaired driving laws?
Yes. MADD Canada believes that an aggressive legislation and public policy advocacy program is necessary to achieve MADD Canada’s purposes. A Victims’ Bill of Rights must be established in law; parallel to but not infringing on the rights of the accused. A balanced program of public awareness, education, legislation and aggressive enforcement by police, crown attorneys, and the courts is essential to eliminating impaired driving. Impaired drivers and others who directly contribute to the crime of impaired driving must be held accountable for their behaviour.
16. What does MADD think about the Ontario government’s Bring Your Own Wine (BYOW) law?
MADD Canada is against the BYOW proposal because there will be a higher likelihood that more people will drink much more wine than currently is the case. There is a real concern for the increase in impaired driving incidents.
17. What inspires Nicole Gionet?
My inspiration comes from the experiences that I have encountered, the people in my life and my inner self to achieve more. Every challenge is nothing more than a chance to make things better.
18. If you could tell one story to try and get the point across that people shouldn’t drink and drive what would it be?
On September 26, 1998, my family and I lost the life of my brother due to an impaired driver. He was only 20 years old. Since that time I have had to deal with the loss of a family member that could have been prevented if that person would have made the right decision not to drink and drive. Throughout my own personal experience I do not wish the pain that I have had to deal with on anyone else. Everybody experiences a loss of a loved one throughout life, but in a circumstance where somebody has made the decision to drive while under the influence is not acceptable.
19. What services does the MADD Timiskaming and Area offer?
The MADD Timiskaming and area chapter offers many services. What makes MADD unique from other organizations in the fight against impaired driving is our service to victims of impaired driving crashes. We offer different types of services when it comes to victims. We also have youth services which consist of empowering young people to positively influence their peers, community and legislators. MADD’s youth programs include: national youth advocates, power camps, youth victim support, motivational media assemblies, poster and writing contests, etc. One of the most important services that we offer is raising public awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. Some of these programs include: project red ribbon, signs of summer, educational videos, public service announcements, printed materials, etc.
20. What are some things people can do to avoid driving under the influence?
There are many things a person can do to avoid driving while under the influence. For instance, plan ahead to get a ride to your destination by a sober person. Call a taxi. Leave your keys at home or with a friend.