|
Building a safer future at Windsor-Essex Children's Safety Village
Children in junior kindergarten through Grade 5 to learn traffic and fire safety in a village just their size
Artist's conception of the Windsor-Essex Children's Safety Village |
The statistics are shocking. Canada’s Institute of Child Health reports that the leading causes of death for children between one and ten years of age are traffic related—and preventable.
In response, the Rotary Club of Windsor is spearheading the development of a $2.4 million Children’s Safety Village—a “kid-sized” version of city streets and buildings that provides a unique environment to teach children how to stay safe. Opening in the fall of 2003, the Windsor-Essex Children’s Safety Village will provide hands-on learning about road, rail and fire safety to 28,000 three- to eleven-year-olds each year.
“These innovative learning environments are a new and effective approach to protecting kids from everyday hazards by giving them knowledge that they enjoy learning and that stays with them all of their lives,” says Don Snyder, Rotary’s project chair.
Ground was broken and the site was taking shape last fall | “As citizens and parents, we know the frightening statistics about the type and number of children’s injuries that could be avoided or prevented through education. As a society, we all benefit when children have the skills—and experience—to conduct themselves safely within our communities.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation contributed $75,000 over six months to help the group purchase children’s furniture and equipment for the facility. Fred Sorrell, head of the Rotary's marketing committee, says that OTF funding has been important in leveraging community support.
“It’s a project the community can really get behind because the benefits are so clear and achievable. The funding we have received from OTF has helped to bring other sponsors and contributions to the table.” Mr. Sorrell said.
|