The Prevention of Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y) Program brings together ninth-grade students with community volunteers to talk about things that matter to this age group—independence, peer pressure, risky behaviour, and making choices.

Since 1992, over 42,000 students have taken part in the one-day program, which uses role playing, emergency rooms tours, and presentations by survivors of life-altering injuries.

Christy White started volunteering with the program nine months after a car crash left her paralyzed from the chest down. The strong, spirited young woman is studying to be a rehabilitation counselor.

In stark detail, she shares with participants the realities of her life since she made the choice to ride in a car with some partying friends. “I will do whatever it takes to save you from injury,” she tells the students. “Don’t waste what you have. I had less than 19 years of walking; all I have left are memories.”