A joint community project led by Brett Sawyers of First Mobile, Lions clubs of Northland and MethCon Group Ltd will see Northland leading the way in turning the tide against the scourge of pure methamphetamine or P, according to businessman Brett Sawyers.

The initiative, known as The Northland P Project, was born out of the tragic death of a Northland P user who was fatally shot by Police on the 23rd of October 2008 at Mr. Sawyers' First Mobile store in Whangarei.

At a public meeting organised by Mr. Sawyers, held in December last year, Northland based P education and policy specialist Mike Sabin of MethCon Group spoke to a crowd of around 500 and a strong call to action grew, the net result being a united belief that we as a community need to learn more about the way this drug works to deceive and undermine all of us, users or not. "We all pay the price for P and it is our apathy and ignorance that allow it to tear at the fabric of our communities" said Mr. Sabin.

Following the meeting, a committee was formed which resolved to distribute the educational DVD, 'Welcome to the Ice Age' to every home in Northland, some 55,000 copies. The DVD documentary features former addicts from the Northland area, drug treatment experts and Mike Sabin. It explores in a no-nonsense manner the way the drug lures and traps its victims, and what we all need to know to keep ourselves, our families and communities safe. "The problem of a nation takes a nation to solve, and we as a region intend to lead the way" said Mr. Sabin.

Mr. Sawyers said that the project is aiming to raise $400,000 to make this initiative, a first in New Zealand, happen. "If we all do our little bit we will achieve our goal. The time for change has arrived and I'd like to think that we can all, in some way, step up to the plate and make a contribution to the project, which is in a way an investment in our community and its future" claimed Mr. Sawyers.

The project will involve a number of community galvanising initiatives, one of which is not only a fundraiser, but also aims to 'paint Northland blue'. Cambridge blue T-shirts are being screen printed with The Northland P Project logo and the slogan 'Educate to Eliminate' and will be available for purchase not only through the P Project website but also through soon to be announced retailers throughout the North.

"On the 23rd of October, one year after the tragic shooting, we want everyone to be wearing their blue P Project shirts" said Mr. Sawyers. It is hoped that the whole country will sit up and take notice and this will bring the issue to the forefront of our collective minds. "We hope that by painting the North blue we will come together as one region and show that as communities working together we can make a difference" claimed Mr. Sawyers. With the aid of Lions clubs across Northland, the P Project aims to distribute the DVDs to every home in Northland on the 28th of November this year. "We are hoping that Northlanders will get in behind this initiative. We don't have much time and we need to get the funds together, all of which will be used in association with the project" said Mr. Sawyers.

"We are commencing a viral email campaign aimed at to recruiting sponsors and contributions of any amount, although those who donate $5000 or more to the project will have naming rights and be included in a booklet that will go out with the DVD, as well as any regional or national media as the project builds to the distribution day" said Mr. Sawyers.

"We are a small committee of committed Northlanders and we are calling on our region to band together to help turn the tide on this drug in a practical way" said Mr. Sawyers. This is our chance to stand up and make a difference in our homes and our communities. Anything less is cheating our youth of the future they deserve. Lets all be a part of change!

Keep an eye out for the viral email but to find out more about The Northland P Project and how you can make donations and get involved TODAY, you can visit the website www.northlandpproject.co.nz.