1. What is a quit smoking contest? – a contest to encourage Manitobans to quit smoking or at least make an attempt - Smokers enter and pledge to quit during the contest quit period – also raises profile of cessation services

2. Contest partners Manitoba Lung Association Manitoba Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs With thanks to: Loblaws, Drake Health Solutions Inc, Clarke’s Pharmacy in Thompson, Hill’s Drugstore and Hill’s Pharmacy in Portage, and all RHAs.

3. How does it work? People pre-register and pledge to quit during the contest period Who can enter? Anyone over 18, resident of Manitoba, current smoker or has quit since August 1, 2011, can be a cigarette, chew, pipe, or cigar smoker. The registrant has to have smoked for a period of a year. Are there other rules? An important one is that registrants must have a buddy, smoker or non-smoker, who will support them and also validate smoke-free status; the buddy can be a buddy for more than one smoker; buddies can win prizes. Complete rules will be listed on website.

4. When is the contest Quit Period? May 1 at 12:01 until midnight May 31, 2012 Can the person use aids to quit smoking? Yes – we encourage people to use NRT or medication such as Zyban or Champix What other supports are available? Registrants can pick up a Quit Kit, they can call the Smokers’ Helpline, and they will receive messaging by e- mail throughout the quit period

5. How do I register? www.manitobaquits.ca When can I register? March 27 until midnight on April 30 – register early as there will be early bird prizes What are the prizes? Five prizes of $1,000 cash; buddies of winners get $200

6. How will winners be verified? Declaration Buddy will sign a declaration vouching that registrant was smoke-free during contest period Urine test/CO Breathalyzer test Publicity

7. Entrants are encouraged to REMAIN smoke-free until winners are verified. It takes a few days to confirm that the “potential” winners who were drawn have remained smoke-free. So even if someone’s name isn’t drawn on June 1 we may need to draw more names until we find 5 winners.

8. We need your help to promote the contest: Fan out an e-mail to your colleagues, family, friends, enemies, ex-boyfriends, lady next door, associates, clients, patients … Put up a poster Hand out business cards to smokers Talk it up Contact your local paper, RHA newsletter* Possible help with verification of winners*

9. www.manitobaquits.ca Register March 27 to April 30 Quit period is May 1 to May 31 Prize draw June 1