Pride Bermuda's upcoming Red Ribbon Week.

Red Ribbon Week is an international drug prevention celebration which more than 120 million people participate internationally.

Ms Gordon stated: "We have to target young people and eradicate even the thought of using drugs.

"Pride ensures that young people make healthy choices, and are aware of the many alternatives available to them,'' she added.

And Pride programme director Patricia Pogson invited residents to "come on out and paint the town red!'' Pride youth coordinator Danielle Riviere said the week of activities will kick off on October 23 at 11.15 a.m. on the steps of City Hall.

October 24 will feature a Mini Olympics Family Fun Day at the Kindley Community Playing Field from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Local religious groups can participate on October 25 "Pray for the Children'' Day.

October 26 is "Hand Print'' Pledge Day, encouraging the community to commit themselves to prevention and a healthy lifestyle.

October 27 is Gratitude Day, and October 28 the community is encouraged to wear red in support of prevention.

Schools will have assemblies promoting prevention of October 29 School Rally Day, and there will be a candle Light vigil on October 30 starting at the Cabinet building at 6.30 p.m.

The week will wrap up with a "Say Boo to Drugs'' party on October 31 for students ages 11 to 14. Students will be "locked in'' from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.

PAINT IT RED -- Residents are encouraged to "paint the town red'' during PRIDE Bermuda's Red Ribbon week of drug prevention. Pictured, from left, are PRIDE Bermuda vice chairperson Sharon Riviere, executive director Judith Burgess, Premier Pamela Gordon, programme director Patricia Pogson, and youth coordinator Danielle Riviere.

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