While the city has been without a MADD chapter for more than a year, the organization's services are still needed.
"People are still driving impaired," said Renata Cvitkovic, chapter services manager for Ontario with Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada.
Thunder Bay has been without a local chapter for more than a year. It's last community leader resigned due to health reasons and Cvitkovic said it's not uncommon for local chapters to close as they're run entirely by volunteers.
Most chapters have five to 10 volunteers and they run all services in that community and they can often burn out.
"People fall ill or move on to other organizations or other family priorities or work priorities," she said. "If we don't have anyone to carry on the mission and the awareness and victim support locally then our chapters and community leaders need to close."
Despite no one immediately picking up the MADD mantle in Thunder Bay, Cvitkovic said she's hoping someone will come forward eventually.
While MADD's profile in the community has been diminished at RIDE programs and events like fairs and festivals, the organization does still come to the city for school assembly presentations.
Red ribbons are also still available this time of year at LCBO and AllState Insurance locations.
Anyone looking for red ribbons or interested in restarting a MADD chapter in Thunder Bay can contact Cvitkovic at 1-800-665-6233 ext. 243.
