No Way Campaign launched

The arrival of a helicopter at Mascot’s JJ Cahill Memorial High School today signaled a new attack on drugs and the latest chapter in one of Australia’s most inspirational stories.<br><br>The event marked the official launch of the No Way Campaign Foundation as a publicly listed charity that isfocused on tackling drugs and finding healthy highs for children.<br><br>For Darren Marton it represents a crucial new stage in an incredible journey that has taken him from junior sports star to jailed drug addict and to his current position as the driving force behind the campaign that has extended from school rooms to professional sportsmen and Federal Parliament.<br><br>The awarding of official charity status is a recognition of the effect this message has already had on thousands of school children and an opportunity for others to help fund the foundation’s vision.<br><br>“Government surveys show that ninety-nine percent of Australians are against any acceptance of drugs,” Darren says.<br><br>“They don’t want to see drugs legalized and they don’t want the use of cannabis accepted but there has to be more to it than just encouraging our kids to say no way to drugs.<br><br>“We need drug smart parents, we need to educate people in how to say no and we need to help them find healthy highs by getting active and finding the right role models.<br><br>“You have to be able to tell it like it is. I know the damage drugs can do, I know the temptation and I’ve experienced the dangers that sneak up on you. That’s why we have developed our ‘Let’s talk Straight’ seminarsthat help people understand these issues.<br><br>“As a publicly recognized foundation we are now in a position to raise funds to make an even bigger difference than ever before.”<br><br>South Sydney Coach Jason Taylor, who is one of The No Way Campaign Foundation’s Ambassadors, will be on hand at the Mascot launch along with other Foundation Ambassadors, media identities Rebecca Wilson and Vic Lorusso, and National Rugby League personalities.<br><br>“Darren has delivered a powerful message in his work with the NRL at our Toyota Cup induction camps and with some of our senior squads,” NRL Chief Operating Officer Mr Graham Annesley said today.<br><br>“The establishment of The No Way Campaign Foundation will allow that message to be heard even more widely than ever before, which can only be a positive.”