BrainTrust helmet safety

Photo: Contributed

BrainTrust Canada is launching its Helmet Safety Program with its program sponsor 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 behavior through “positive tickets” that include free ice cream from McDonald’s and Lava Cakes from Domino’s Pizza.   
 
“Our Council supports many charities in the Okanagan, especially children and youth and we are pleased to continue support of BrainTrust’s Helmet Safety Program,” says ACT/UCT Kelowna West Council #1003 Susan Warner. “We believe there is nothing more important than keeping our youth safe so they can live to their full potential and we know this program is reducing brain injuries and saving lives.”
 
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.