Hulk Hogan boosts anti-drug campaign

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A tiny village located in Canada's Northwest Territories received support from an unexpected source last year. The 150 students at the Attanajuak school wrote Hulk Hogan, one of their most popular heroes, and invited him to participate in their 1989 Stop Smoking and Say No to Drugs activities.

"Although the World Wrestling Federation champion couldn't attend the week-long festivities, he threw his support behind the project," says former community health nurse Shelly Fletcher.

"Hulk was especially touched with the children's letters," said Susan Aitchison, Hogan's community relations co-ordinator in a letter from his Stamford, Connecticut offices. "Hulk believes you are a community of champions and will remain strong in your resolve to avoid drugs," The wrestler generously donated T-shirts, buttons, posters and autographed pictures.

When plans were begun later in the year to celebrate National Addictions Awareness Week, Fletcher recalled the children's infatuation with Hogan. "We wrote him again and he came through with over $1,000 worth of material in one shipment and lots of encouragement," she notes.

This time the whole community got involved. "The school held a writing contest," says Fletcher. "The response on the part of the students was overwhelming. Students who had never written more than two lines suddenly blossomed into three and four page writers," she laughs.

National Addictions Awareness Week in Hall Beach, N.W.T. featured nightly activities with the school and health center decorated with Hulk Hogan material. "As well the Edmonton Oilers, the L.A. Kings and other agencies and businesses contributed promotional material," says Fletcher. A sports night, a parents' meeting and educational evenings were all well attended as most of the 600 resident of the northern community participated.

"The awarding of the donated prize material was no doubt a big reason for the large attendance," says Fletcher.

An interesting statistic proves the success of the week's activities. "For the first time in months the youth justice committee received no calls regarding substance abuse," Fletcher notes proudly.

A highlight of the experience was winning the first prize in the community involvement contest from Nechi Institution. "We received a certificate and pins and $500 towards environmental cleanup to complete a healthy lifestyle," explains Fletcher.

In summing up the week from her new position in North Bay, Ontario, Fletcher says "it was a lot of hard work, but a lot of fun, too." She praises the school staff and the good people of the community for contributing to the success of the activities.

But the final words from Hulk Hogan will be remembered as encouragement for the children who participated. "I want all you Hulksters to join me in the circle and keep the circle strong," he wrote.

"Take my hands, brothers, join the circle, keep the drugs out, and join the Hulkster in creating a better and cleaner Canada."