Helmets on Kids

What is this program?

The Brain Injury Association of Windsor/Essex County has joined forces with the community and the Windsor-Essex County Injury Prevention Coalition to provide area children with bicycle helmets in the program Helmets on Kids.

The goal of the program is to purchase bicycle helmets for children who come from families that cannot afford bicycle helmets or that do not place importance on the purchase of a helmet for their children.

Children under the age of 1 year should not wear a helmet. Our program is for children aged 1-18 years. While the Brain Injury Association encourages all adults to wear helmets, this program is for children only.

How many helmets have been purchased?

1102 helmets have been purchased or donated to date.

Where do I get a helmet for a child?

The helmets are stored at the Children’s Safety Village for distribution at community events. Helmets are distributed to children in need through the Grade Four Elementary School Program. This program is based on helmet fitting, rules of the road and bicycle safety education. The program is offered to all schools in Windsor and Essex County. Within the program, if a child does not have a helmet, he or she will be given one and will have it properly fitted. They will be able to take it home with them that day. Additionally, children’s helmets may be fitted and distributed by attending Summer Programs which are scheduled at the Children’s Safety Village throughout July and August 2010 or by appointment only. Children must be present to ensure a proper fitting. Please phone 519-945-5500 or email programs@rotarysafetyvillage.com for more information.

Helmets are also fitted and distributed through our community partners at many events, which may be held at schools, day cares, parks, bike rodeos etc. These events are often listed in The Windsor Star or on AM 800. Children’s helmets can be fitted and obtained by attending these public programs.

How do I donate?

By calling the Brain Injury Association or by mailing a cheque to us with a note saying you want the donation to go toward the Helmets on Kids program.

We will also accept donations of new helmets to our program.

Please make the cheque payable to “Brain Injury Association of Windsor/Essex County”.

Charitable receipts can be given for all donations made towards the purchase of helmets.