Sandow Snuffing Out Sniffing in Cherbourg
30 Apr 2010
Chris Sandow attended the launch of Snuff Out Sniffing (S.O.S) Cherbourg on Wednesday April 28, 2010, a zero tolerance campaign aimed at stopping substance abuse by youth in the Cherbourg community in Queensland.
Sandow proudly came from Cherbourg to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and with his mother Rhonda will promote the Snuff Out Sniffing campaign to enrich the lives of young children in Cherbourg.
The working group consisting of parents and educators within the Cherbourg community, has come together to break the cycle of substance abuse, and bring families and the community closer together to work through issues that are contributing to sniffing petrol and paint.
Held at Cherbourg State School, approximately 300 students attended a march around the streets of Cherbourg to launch the campaign before being addressed by Aunty Beryl Gambil for Welcome to Country, Cherbourg Mayor Sam Murray, Murgon Mayor Dave Carter and Cherbourg State School Principal Jenni Greenham. Steven Hart, Stylin’ Up Crew and Wakka Jnr Dancers also performed on the day.
Chris signed autographs for hours during the launch, making sure every child left with a huge smile on their face. He also handed out Rabbitohs showbags which help make the day a great success.
4 Fathers, the SOS Parent Support Group representatives Sam Chambers, Ian Hopkins, Steven Langton and Keith Walsh addressed the students as a show of support for the campaign and to strengthen the important message of addressing the loneliness and isolation of youth in the community caught in this tragic cycle to move forward and make positive life choices.
The colour yellow was chosen for the campaign delivering a message of sunlight and new beginning, and as the central part of the Aboriginal Flag.
“It’s great to be able to get back to Cherbourg and show my support for the Snuff Out Sniffing campaign,” Sandow said.
“My Mum Rhonda has been working on the campaign and having grown up in Cherbourg I understand the way things go for some kids around here.
“If I can tell my story and how I steered clear of the dangers of things like sniffing, then hopefully that can help some of the other kids from Cherbourg too.
“I love Cherbourg and the people here, so hopefully the Snuff Out Sniffing program can help these people which is really important to me and my Mum.”
Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson received great feedback from the people of Cherbourg and nearby Murgon about the different Chris is making, representing his people.