The annual Drug-Free Marshals Christmas Festival, organized by the Church of Scientology of Toronto

The theme of the Drug-Free Marshals Christmas Festival at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto in December 2013 was: “Ask children if they want a drug-free community and they will tell you yes and why!”

A grassroots initiative established in 1993, the Drug-Free Marshals has grown to a global movement of kids telling other kids about the harmful effects of drugs.

This annual Drug-Free Marshals festival encourages kids to “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life” with a seasonal celebration that includes hot chocolate, arts and crafts, and distribution of The Truth About Drugseducational booklets. Two generations of Drug-Free Marshals took the stage to entertain the crowd with Christmas carols. The event ended with a visit from Santa bringing toys for all the kids.

Scientologists on five continents work in their communities throughout the year to empower others with the facts about drugs. The Church and its members are dedicated to eradicating drug abuse through education.

It has been conclusively proven that when young people are provided with the truth about drugs—factual information on what drugs are and what they do—usage rates drop commensurately.

The Church of Scientology has published a brochure, Scientology: How We Help—The Truth About Drugs, Creating a Drug-Free World, to meet requests for more information about the drug education and prevention initiative it supports. To learn more or read the brochure, visit the Scientology website.

Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “The planet has hit a barrier which prevents any widespread social progress—drugs and other biochemical substances. These can put people into a condition which not only prohibits and destroys physical health but which can prevent any stable advancement in mental or spiritual well-being.”