now appearing on lapels all over Bermuda. It's all part of the build-up to a unique event -- the upcoming Council Partners Charitable Trust Telethon which takes place on Monday evening (September 14) on ZBM television.

"We all know someone who is directly, or indirectly affected by substance abuse,'' says the Trust's chairman Brian Duperreault. "But there are solutions and through this Telethon, we are inviting the community to become part of the solution.'' Airing from 8 p.m. to midnight, the Telethon will be hosted by the Trust's Austin Warner and ZBM's Vicki Abraham. Agencies supported by the Trust include The Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (CADA), Fair Havens Christian Care Association, FOCUS, Bermuda Life Skills Group, PRIDE, and The Family Learning Centre.

While the fund-raising event addresses the problems of alcohol and drug abuse in the community through videos documenting the agencies' work, and live interviews (where recovering addicts will tell their stories), it will also bring together some of the biggest names in Bermuda show business. These will include Patricia Pogson with her PRIDE Performance Team, the Island Steel Band, a skit from Gina Spence Productions, magician `Mr. Slick' and singers Nelson Dismont and James Richardson, with other stars yet to be confirmed.

Jason Jones, who has designed the Telethon's set, has donated a picture to be auctioned and there will be `incentive' gifts (umbrellas, T-shirts, etc.) to pledgers. Representatives from the three main political parties have also been invited to participate in a ten-minute panel discussion. The programme is sponsored by the National Drug Commission (NDC) which sets the national strategy. Council Partners' executive director Gordon Johnson explains that the Trust delivers the services that allow successful implementation of that strategy. This has been achieved through an `umbrella' system under which the various agencies to receive funding for their programmes.

"One of the principles of fundraising is to ask people to invest in the solution,'' says Mr. Johnson, who also has responsibilities for the Trust's fundraising. "People in Bermuda do give when asked. But it is very important that people understand what they are giving to! We need to increase the level of knowledge and understanding about substance abuse and we felt that a Telethon would give us a wonderful opportunity to do just that. And while we have been very successful with personal and corporate solicitations we are very anxious for the whole community to be involved because the community, ultimately, has to solve the problem. Our mandate is to find solutions and we have to get that message over to everyone who tunes in on Monday evening -- approaching people we have never approached before.'' "Each agency has a six-minute mini-documentary made by Panatel which explains the aims and nature of their work,'' says Tanis Browning Shelp, who handles the Trust's communications. "This will not only help the public to understand what they really do in order to help people, but it should also encourage those who need help to get that help -- and where to go to get it. The live interviews will include a mix of clients talking about their struggles and successes, staff and board members and, hopefully, perspectives from some of the performers. We are also hoping that the show will inspire more people in the community to volunteer their help.'' Although the fundraising aspect is obviously important (they hope to surpass the $50,000 raised by the Health Alliance telethon), Mr. Johnson says that the Trust and NDC are placing great emphasis on the programme as an opportunity to educate and inform about addiction, the processes of recovery and prevention -- and to give hope. "We want people to turn off the TV and have a sense of hope. It's very, very important that everyone in the community understands what we are doing -- and why.'' Mrs. Browning Shelp says the Trust is grateful to the banks and other financial institutions for their help. "People can pre-pledge (we have forms!), pledge with their credit cards or over the internet. Many companies are helping to promote the event through their staff and with matching gift programmes.'' Anyone interested in promoting `Get With the Programme' by distributing buttons, posters or pledge forms is asked to contact Council Partners at 296-3130 or E-mail cpct/yibl.bm or Fax 296-3129. For more information, please visit Council Partners' website at www.councilpartners.bm.