ECOMONY FORCES MADD DOWNSIZING MEASURES

NATIONAL OFFICE ELIMINATES EUGENE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In mid-October, the MADD National office was forced to eliminate Executive Director Lois Harvick’s position and close the local office, making Oregon one of 15 states with all volunteer-driven MADD efforts. Because of decreases in corporate and individual donations on a national scale, the organization has made sweeping cuts, eliminating the Portland and Seattle MADD offices earlier this year. Since January, MADD had eliminated 55 of 397 paid employees nationwide, or about 14 percent of its work force.

Determined to carry on the work dedicated to ending drunk driving, Eugene Affiliate office volunteers have held two meetings since October 28th to regroup back to a grass-roots all-volunteer organization – that is how it began 27 years ago.

Volunteer efforts will continue to focus on victim assistance and public education projects. November Red Ribbons will go out to a few businesses and be available in the old office location at 1310 Coburg Road Suite #10. December 7th the annual Candlelight Vigil will be held at the MADD Memorial Garden in Alton Baker Park, Eugene. Starting time is 6:30 pm in the garden, with a reception following in the Boy Scout building on Martin Luther King Blvd.

The public is urged to have patience as reorganization takes place. Currently, contacting the Eugene office by e-mail or telephone requires leaving a message. Volunteers will be on duty to return those contacts.