Ensuring youth have helmets

Photo: nutcasehelmets

BrainTrust Canada is launching its Helmet Safety Program with its new program beneficiary Associated Canadian Travelers/United Commercial Travelers Kelowna West Council #1003 who are funding bike helmets for youth in Kelowna.  The program’s goal is to decrease preventable brain injury through helmet compliance, and partners include the City of Kelowna Bylaw and RCMP bike squads who patrol the streets interacting with youth throughout the year.  They provide education on the importance of helmet use, and throughout the year use their discretion to provide helmets to youth that require them.  The helmets are a popular brand called Nutcase and include the motto “I Love My Brain”.  The Helmet Safety Program also incorporates rewarding youth for positive safety behaviour through “positive tickets” that include free ice cream from McDonald’s and Cinnastix from Domino’s Pizza.  
 
To launch the program, Wednesday May 25th will be declared “Helmet Safety Day” by a City of Kelowna Proclamation.  ACT/UCT Kelowna West Council #1003 President Keith Preece says “Our Council supports many charities in the Okanagan, especially Children and Youth programs.  We are thankful and extremely proud to partner with BrainTrust Canada with their excellent Helmet Safety Program to ensure that youth who cannot afford helmets have access to them.  We understand that helmets can reduce the majority of brain injuries and save lives, and there is nothing more important than keeping our youth safe so they can live to their full potential.”
 
Also, as part of Bike to Work/School Week, a fundraiser barbeque sponsored by Urban Systems will take place Friday June 3rd at Tree Brewing Institute 1346 Water Street from 4:00pm – 6:00pm, with a $2 or more donation for a burger or veggie burger going to support BrainTrust Canada and helmets for youth in Kelowna. 
 
Brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability under 44, with youth at the highest risk.  Approximately 20% of these brain injuries are sports related, however, up to 85% of brain injuries can be prevented from helmet use.  BrainTrust Canada is a not for profit association that provides community rehabilitation to individuals with brain injury in the Okanagan, and also has a strong focus on brain injury education and prevention.  For more information visit braintrustcanada.com or contact Magda Kapp at (250) 762-3233 ext109.