Red Ribbon Week (Oct 22-30) is underway and schools and organizations are supporting America’s oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in a number of unique ways. Although you have surely observed individuals sporting promotional ribbons in assorted colors on many occasions, do you know the story behind the red ribbons worn during Red Ribbon Week?
The awareness week originated as a result of the sacrifice made by Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a DEA officer who ultimately lost his life because of his dedication to stop drug trafficking and abuse. Camarena was handling the investigation of a major drug cartel in Mexico when he was kidnapped and tortured to death by five men.
Following his death, a close high school friend and Camarena’s Congressman launched Camarena Clubs in Enrique’s honor in Imperial Valley, California. Club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to pay homage to the sacrifices made by Camarena and other anti-drug advocates. The red ribbon became a symbol of Camarena’s memory, and the Red Ribbon Week campaign became a nationally recognized awareness holiday.
If you are only just now learning about Red Ribbon Week’s mission, you still have ample time to order and customize promotional ribbons on behalf of your organization to show support for the campaign. RocketShip 24-Hr. Service is available for ribbons like the Awareness Ribbon Keep-It Clip and the Awareness Ribbon Flexible Promotional Key Chain.
Does your company sponsor any events related to Red Ribbon Week? Please share the details in the comments section below so that others can implement similar activities in their own communities!
Dana
SEM Manager