BC Liquor Store customers showed their support for alcohol-free graduation celebrations by donating over $459,000 to this year’s Support Dry Grad Campaign.

The Support Dry Grad Campaign is an annual community fundraising campaign held in 195 BC Liquor Stores throughout British Columbia. Since 2001, it has raised more than $4.9 million.

During the Support Dry Grad Campaign, BC Liquor Store customers are asked if they would like to donate $1 to help fund alcohol-free celebration events for graduating high school students in their local community. This year’s total again demonstrates there are a large number of customers who want to help students celebrate their success in a safe manner.

Fifty-five school districts and the Federation of Independent Schools participated in this year’s campaign. All of the contributions made to each store are sent to their local school district. The school districts in turn distribute the funds to the volunteer grad committees, which also fundraise. The money collected is used to pay for alcohol-free graduation events and activities such as dances, camping and bus trips to theme parks.