IBC donates to injury prevention initiative

ANTIGONISH, NS, June 12, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) accompanied by the local MLA for Antigonish, the Honourable Randy Delorey, Minister of Environment and Minister Responsible for Gaelic Affairs, participated in a community event at H.M. MacDonald Elementary School to encourage children to enjoy outdoor activities safely this coming winter.

"IBC is proud to support injury-prevention efforts – from being safe on the road to wearing a helmet," said Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Atlantic, IBC. "We are big believers in helping make sure kids, like those in attendance today, have the right equipment to reduce their chance of injury."

IBC's donation to the Safety in the Snow (SITS) program, which encourages the students of H.M. MacDonald School and their families in the surrounding community to safely participate in recreational winter activities, will help supply snowshoes and helmets.

"S.I.T.S. is a great initiative supported by IBC. I know many teachers, parents, and caregivers can find it difficult to keep children active throughout the winter," said MLA for Antigonish, the Honourable Randy Delorey, Minister of Environment & Minister Responsible for Gaelic Affairs. "With this generous donation from IBC, students at HM MacDonald Elementary will have the ability to get outside during the winter, be active, and stay safe."

"New provincial safety guidelines highly recommend helmets for sledding, which is in the alternative environment strand of the physical education program," said Lavonah Madden, a physical education teacher at H.M. MacDonald School. "Children require proper safety training for this popular winter activity, and with the support of IBC, we are now able to provide this piece of safety equipment for students and the greater community."

Winters in Atlantic Canada can be tough, as evidenced by this past winter. But at the same time, these snowy months provide outdoor opportunities for children and families. When children have the proper equipment, they can safely enjoy outdoor fun throughout the long winter months.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 billion.  

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_Atlantic or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

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