Prince George, B.C.- They won the challenge to  quit smoking for one week, and that  has translated into  some  cash for a man from Smithers and one from Chetwynd.The two, Joey Utz  of Smithers and Dug Stewart  of Chetwynd,  had  made a commitment to  butt out  for one  week  in the Cold Turkey No More campaign  put on by the B.C. Lung Association  and Northern Health.  More  than 850 men  took part in the challenge,  but  Utz and Stewart had their names  randomly drawn as winners of the  event  and each will receive $2,500 in cash for  their effort.

“The seven days were frustrating” said Utz “However, I’ve wanted to quit for quite a while and the contest kept me motivated.” He says he has already noticed a difference in his health, and  that positive change will  keep  him  going.”

As for Doug Stewart,  he says the cash is nice, but  he  knows he and his family are the real winners because  quitting smoking  will help him live a healthier life ” “I would encourage anyone trying to quit to give it your best shot. You might not be successful the first time, but persistence will pay off.”

Cold Turkey No More was open to all residents of B.C., but there was a definite focus on northern B.C. where tobacco use rates are  higher among men.