Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada a national organization that works to curb impaired driving, while also supporting the victims of what it correctly calls a "violent crime."
MADD has volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across the country but until recently, the closest chapter to Yellowknife was MADD Fort Simpson.
However, this city now has a branch – along with a new community leader.
Megan Chafe as its new local leader.
"I had an uncle who was killed by a drunk driver almost three years ago," Chafe told Yellowknifer last week. "I went to the trial a little over a year ago and that kind of made me realize I wanted to volunteer and support other victims of drunk driving.
"As soon as a member of your family or a friend is killed in such an act ... it is the worst feeling. You want to prevent it from happening to somebody else."
With cannabis now legal, the need for impaired driving awareness is underscored.
And this in a region already stinking with drunk and stoned drivers. The NWT and Nunavut already have the highest rates for drinking and driving in the country, according to Statistics Canada.
For example, in one stretch around May long weekend last year – during road safety week – more than 1,800 vehicles were checked. Ten people were charged with impaired driving – one with impaired driving causing death, after a horrible fatal accident on the Ingraham Trail.
On average during road safety week over the last few years prior to that, RCMP say they normally charge five people.
"It is very discouraging and disheartening to see the numbers from this year's campaign," Cpl. Todd Scaplen said at the time. "And (to) know that there are people who still are not getting the message that impaired driving is not acceptable, is preventable and can end tragically."
So why is impaired driving so rampant in the NWT? In the communities, a high level of alcoholism and a low rate of policing are clear factors. People have to get from one point to another and are willing to take chances as there is a good chance they won't get caught.
In the capital, we have good public transit, there are two cab companies and a lot of opportunities to have a designated driver. There is no good reason for anyone to place their own lives – and that of innocent people around them – in danger by driving drunk or stoned.
Chafe hopes to provide support for victims, push education and advocacy efforts in the schools and the community and said she has been in contact with Sharon Allen, the leader of the Fort Simpson branch.
Education is key – especially for younger drivers.
MADD Canada was formed in 1989 to create a national network of victims and survivors and concerned citizens working to stop impaired driving. MADD admits the exact number of lives saved as a result of the work done by MADD Canada, cannot be known with absolute certainty.
But one thing is for sure, the organization is desperately need in Yellowknife. It should be able to work in concert nicely with St. Patrick High School's Students Against Drinking and Impaired Driving (SADD) on prevention campaigns.
"It was shocking to me that there was no MADD Yellowknife because the North has one of the highest rates of drunk driving in Canada," Chafe said.
Project Red Ribbon, a yearly campaign that distributes a red ribbon to people to allow them to publicly display their commitment to sober driving, takes place from Nov. 1 to Jan. 7.
Tie a red ribbon to you vehicle to act as a reminder to yourself – and others – not to be so selfish as to drive while impaired.