The Whitehorse chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is putting out a call for more volunteers and donations as it struggles to remain active in the community.

The non-profit organization shut down its office in Whitehorse at the end of last year to save the cost of rent.

It is currently being run out of volunteers' homes.

The group's board of directors is also two members short.

That has left the organization at risk of losing its chapter status with the national head office.

President Daniela Martinson told the Star Tuesday MADD would like to be able to do more in the community and needs a few extra hands.

In late 2007, the Yukon government contributed $20,000 to cover most of the cost for MADD Whitehorse's purchase of Canada's first impaired driving simulation go-cart.

The Simulated Impaired Driving Experience (SIDNE) is an interactive tool that allows users to experience the effects of drunk driving without consuming any alcohol.

The Whitehorse chapter is still the only MADD chapter in Canada to own one of these vehicles.

But without volunteers to help run the SIDNE presentations, the go-cart has been inactive for at least the last year.

"We're struggling to do all the things we'd like to do,” Martinson said. "We're sitting on this amazing educational resource; what we don't have are the people to run it.”

For smaller events like RCMP check-stops, Martinson said, the three remaining board members have been able to call on family and friends.

"But we're not getting people approaching us to help,” she said.

The head of the territory's RCMP traffic services said MADD provides a key service.

"They play an important role in building safe communities,” said Cpl. Shawn Pollard. "They help remind people about the dangers of drinking and driving.”

Last year, there were about 200 convictions for drunk-driving related offences in the territory.

The Whitehorse chapter, which was created in 2003, is currently short a secretary and vice-president.

Those volunteer positions would require about two to fours of work a month to attend board meetings, Martinson said.

Without a complete board, the Whitehorse chapter would cease to exist. The few remaining volunteers would become "community leaders,” said Tracy Crawford, MADD's chapter services manger for B.C./Yukon.

"I think it is important for Whitehorse to have a complete chapter,” Crawford said. "The chapter covers the whole territory, and that is just too much to ask for one or two people.”

Despite moving out of its office, MADD Whitehorse has other bills, including monthly phone bills, as well as the salary of its one paid employee, an administrative assistant.

So far, the organization has been able to keep its head above water, but that doesn't leave money for much else.

Without any extra funds, Whitehorse has not been able to take part in national programs offered by MADD Canada.

Each year, the national office puts together large interactive multi-media presentations about the dangers of drunk driving that are brought to high schools around the country.

"We'd love to take part in those,” Martinson said.

"They are beautiful and dramatic, and really get an important message across.”

Crawford estimates the presentation costs Canadian chapters about $1,000, but adds it could be more expensive for Whitehorse considering how far the equipment would have to travel.

That's not a bill the chapter can afford right now.

For now, MADD volunteers will be setting up booths at the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous festival and the upcoming Arctic Winter Games to promote the organization, fund-raise and try and attract more volunteers.

Anyone looking for more information on MADD's Whitehorse chapter can call 633-6230 or 334-2421.