Geraldton, Ontario – LIVING – Patrick Liscomb from Geraldton is cashing in after staying smoke-free for the first week of the month of September. His $500 prize is a reward for his participation in the Canadian Cancer Society’s First Week Challenge Contest, a monthly initiative that encourages tobacco users in Ontario to make a quit attempt for the first seven days of the month.
Quitting smoking is one of the biggest challenges a smoker will face, and the cravings and withdrawal symptoms will be the toughest during the first week. Once a smoker makes it through the first week smoke- free, they are 9x more likely to quit for good.
Patrick said that he wanted to quit for his kids, “to set a good example”, and after seeing the advertisement on Facebook, First Week Challenge Contest was a goal he could focus on. Before he quit, he was smoking a pack per day and was spending about $100 per week on cigarettes. When asked if he had any words of wisdom for anyone else who smokes he said, “If I can do it, anyone can!” He said changing his attitude, focusing on his family, and keeping away from other smokers (temptation) helped him stay on track.
“The majority of people who smoke do want to quit. First Week Challenge Contest is unique in that it encourages people to take that important first step and get free non-judgemental support,” says Jeff Werner, Senior Coordinator for Smokers’ Helpline in Northwestern Ontario. “We also know that the more quit attempts someone makes, the more likely they are to succeed, so having a monthly challenge can play an important role in someone’s quit journey.”
Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the free support services of Smokers’ Helpline to help them with their quit attempt. Quitlines, such as Smokers’ Helpline, more than double the likelihood of quitting successfully.2
Anyone looking to quit smoking is encouraged to register with the First Week Challenge Contest online at www.firstweekchallengecontest.ca and get support by connecting with the Canadian Cancer Society Smokers’ Helpline, toll-free, at 1-877-513-5333 and SmokersHelpline.ca.
About Canadian Cancer Society Smokers’ Helpline
Smokers’ Helpline is a free, confidential service that provides personalized support, advice and information about quitting smoking and tobacco use. Operated by the Canadian Cancer Society and funded by the Government of Ontario, Smokers’ Helpline has three ways to help Ontarians quit: phone support, online program and text messaging at 1-877-513-5333 and SmokersHelpline.ca.
About the Canadian Cancer Society Ontario Division
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.
