On May 2, 2017, we kicked off our 10th anniversary of working with the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association’s (OTLA) Helmets on Kids Program. Over the past 10 years, we have raised more than $55,000.00 and distributed more than 5,000 helmets to elementary school children in Ottawa, Cornwall, Renfrew and Hawkesbury.

This year’s kick-off event was held at St. Michael School on Donald Street. The children, from JK to Grade 6, were attentive during the assembly while we talked to them about the important of helmet safety. Dr. Michael Vassilyadi and Tassy Lyras jointed us from Parachute, Think First. They presented to the children about the brain and the importance of helmets, did an egg in a helmet hands-on demonstration and showed them a Jello mould brain. Tyler Lisacek and Bob Linney are always the hit of the assembly. The children were silent as they listened intently to 25 year old Tyler’s story of how he sustained and recovered from a serious head injury while riding his bike home from swimming lessons without a helmet when he was 13. This was followed up with his step-father, Bob’s vivid story of helping Tyler through his recovery.

We are so pleased every year to be involved with this very important program. We get out from behind our desks and meet and talk with children about staying safe, and we get to partner with an excellent team of presenters.

We want to wish everyone, but especially the children, a happy and safe summer!