Sydenham
and District Lions leave
“No Child Without”
By Julie Druker
l-r:
Sydenham and District Lion Jim Kelly with LPS students Tyler Eves,
Lauren Hunt and LPS Vice Principal Chad Taylor
The
Sydenham and District Lions and the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation
have joined forces to protect Sydenham elementary aged school
children at Loughborough Public School from unforeseen medical
emergencies through the “No Child Without” (NCW) program.
The
potentially life-saving program was launched nationally in 2006 as a
joint program between the Lions Clubs of Canada and the Canadian
MedicAlert Foundation. It provides school aged children from 4-14
years of age who have pre-existing medical conditions or allergies
with a free MedicAlert bracelet or necklet, which is custom engraved
with the child’s medical information, member ID # and the
MedicAlert 24-hour Emergency phone number.
The
program ensures that first responders in an emergency situation have
access to critical and potentially life-saving medical information
pertaining to that child.
Emergency
numbers on the back of the bracelets/necklets also provide first
responders with access to a child’s current medical information.
MedicAlert will also immediately notify the child’s parents.
The
program brings peace of mind to parents who in the past have often
worried about how their child will be able to communicate their
medical condition should a crisis arise.
Jim
Kelly, past president and current member of the Sydenham and District
Lions, understands the value of establishing this kind of program at
LPS. He explained, “Speaking personally I have friends who have
grandchildren with severe allergies and I also know that several
Lions members are in similar situations so we understand the
importance of the program and how such a program brings both security
and peace of mind to the children and to their families. “
The
Sydenham and District Lions raised $3,000 for the program earlier
this year through their 3rd
annual Charity Golf Tournament, which was held at the Rivendell Golf
club in Verona. In recognition of their commitment to the NCW program
the Lions Club logo will be featured on all of the MedicAlert
bracelets and necklets of students enrolled in the program.
LPS
Vice Principal Chad Taylor was grateful for the Lions’ financial
support, which allowed the program to be offered at the school this
year. “All of the students have taken the information home to their
parents and can either apply on line or come up and pick up
applications here at the school.”
Principal
Tiffany Mountenay said, “We are indeed fortunate to be able to
provide this program to our students and families.”
The
program focuses on children with severe allergies, diabetes, asthma
and other pre-existing conditions. It is estimated that across Canada
at least 10 % of all children have a pre-existing medical condition
that warrants their inclusion in the program. Over the next five
years the NCW program will be offered to all of Canada’s 12,000
elementary schools.
Tyler
Eves, a grade 8 student at LPS, has a life-threatening allergy to bee
stings, which is stated on his MedicAlert bracelet. He described the
security that it brings him. “I feel safe when I wear it. I know
that if I’m ever in a situation or have an accident where I can’t
speak and need attention fast that someone will be able to help me
out.”
For
more information about how to apply for the program, please visit the
NCW website at www.nochildwithout.ca
