The public is being urged to support PRIDE during its annual Red Ribbon Week.

Judith Burgess, executive director of PRIDE Bermuda, spoke to the Hamilton Rotarians about the charity's upcoming fundraiser. PRIDE (Parent Resource Institute for Drug Education) has been helping Bermuda's youth to stay drug and alcohol free since it was started on the Island in 1986.

This year the Red Ribbon Week is October 22 — 26 and Mrs. Burgess encouraged people to wear all red on October 24th.

She said: "I am asking each of you to become involved in prevention. Yes we need financial resources, but equally important, we need persons of expertise to work with our Board of Directors; we need volunteers at our activities, or simply ensure that you and your office support prevention through our Red Ribbon Week.

"Let the community know that you join PRIDE in helping prevent the increased use and abuse of drugs in our community."

Red Ribbon Week began in 1985, when US Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique Camerana was abducted, tortured and murdered by drug traffickers in Guadalajara, Mexico. His body was found one month later in a shallow grave.

At his funeral, members of his family wore red ribbons as a sign of respect for his belief that one person can make a difference in eliminating the damaging effects of drug abuse.