Get set to quit!

The university and the Canadian Cancer Society (BC and Yukon Division) have teamed up to launch a tobacco-free workplace initiative to encourage employees who smoke to quit the habit and stay smoke-free.

“We’ve had positive feedback from students and staff about our efforts to reduce second-hand smoke on campus,” says Peter Sanderson, associate vice-president, human resources. “This smoking cessation program is another option we’re providing to promote staff wellness and improve the air quality on campus.”

A Quit and Win contest for university staff and faculty begins Feb. 2. Employees can pick up their Quit Kits, including resources and a one-week sample of nicotine replacement therapy, Jan. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University Club.

Employees who use tobacco are encouraged to partner up with non-smoking co-workers, who can support them through the challenges of quitting. Those who quit for six to 12 weeks, and their support buddies, will be eligible to win great prizes, including $75 HBC gift certificates and the grand prize of a trip for two to Seattle, including transportation and accommodation.

“Tobacco users double their chances of quitting successfully by using nicotine replacement therapy in combination with counselling,” says Jill Shaw, tobacco-free workplace facilitator with the Canadian Cancer Society. “This initative makes it as effective as possible to support workers to be tobacco free, by providing information, resources and expertise to BC workplaces.”

Smoking is prohibited inside all university buildings and vehicles and within 10 metres of buildings and other structures.

More info: www.uvic.ca/clearair or email clearair@uvic.ca