Parachute Safe Kids Week is being held in communities across Canada from June 5 to 11.
Now in its 21st year, Safe Kids Week is an annual public awareness campaign that aims to raise awareness about preventable injuries in children.
The focus this year is ‘active transportation safety: walk, bike, wheel,’ which includes walking, cycling, skateboarding, scootering and other wheeled activities.
Each year, approximately 4,700 children are injured due to non-motorized wheeled activities, and another 2,400 children are injured as pedestrians.
Safe Communities Wellington County is encouraging Canadians to become aware of the importance of active transportation safety in order to prevent injuries and save the lives of children.
This year’s theme is ‘everyday superhero,’ which encourages children to become leaders in road safety by learning how to stay active and keep themselves and their loved ones safe on their travels to and from school, to the bus stop and around their neighbourhood.
The organization encourages everyone to support Safe Kids Week on social media by using the hashtag #everydaysuperhero.
“We encourage kids to lead active and healthy lives, whether they are walking to school, or riding their bike or scooter to a friend’s house,” said Pamela Fuselli, Parachute interim CEO.
“Wheeled activities are a wonderful way for children to explore and learn. We also want to encourage them to stay safe by wearing the proper gear and understanding how to safely navigate their neighbourhoods.”
For more than two decades, Safe Kids Week has built awareness and has educated Canadian families on how to keep their kids safe and active while having fun.
Safe Kids Week events will be held in communities across the country.
Wellington County Library branches will be offering information to learn more about active transportation.
PD day programs on active transportation will be available at most Wellington County Libraries on June 9.
Parachute has many resources available for parents, community organizations, and others who may be interested at www.parachutecanada.org/safekidsweek.
