HOME AND AWAY: The family of Powell River Kings’ forward Mark D’Agostino [above, left, with RCMP sergeant Sandi Swanson and teammate Matthias Smith] became deeply involved with the MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) chapter in Branford, Connecticut, after a drunk driver killed his great- grandmother. Corinne Williams photo
“ It isn ’ t often that people are acknowledged for being responsible . Making the choice to be a [ designated driver ] or planning ahead for a safe ride home has a considerable and positive impact on road safety so we are very appreciative of those who do . Thanks to the Kings , we are able to reward people for their contributions to a safer Powell River .” Williams said the ribbons also serve as a powerful tribute to the hundreds of Canadians killed and thousands injured in crashes every year involving impaired drivers . Family dedicates time Kings ’ forward Mark D ’ Agostino knows what it ’ s like to have lost a family member to impaired driving . Before he was born , his great - grandmother was killed by a drunk driver . Surviving the crash were his grandmother and great - aunt , who left the scene alive but with broken bones . Following the incident , his hometown of Branford , Connecticut , named a road after his great - grandmother and MADD opened a local chapter there . His grandmother and great - aunt , along with their other sister , have dedicated time to the organization . D ’ Agostino said he and his other family members have also pitched in , and he ’ s happy to see the cause here , too . It reminds him of home . “ I think our team has a big impact on this community ,” he added . “[ Impaired driving ] happens more than you think . It ’ s great that we ’ re trying to do something about it .” Not only does he think it will impact the community , but the team , too . He said sharing this message as a 20 - year - old shows younger folks they ’ re never too young to be impacted by impaired driving . “ It could change younger and older people ’ s minds ,” said D ’ Agostino . “ If our age group can hop on the wagon of trying to prevent this , it ’ s great .” Williams said she ’ s never seen Project Red Ribbon in Powell River before , and hopes to see as many red ribbons on cars as possible . “ Hopefully , they pass out a lot of game tickets ,” she added . “ That means they made it through the checkpoint , which means they drove sober this holiday season , and that ’ s super important .”
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