Although the details haven?t been released about a 10-year-old who was allegedly abducted by a 32-year-old local man, it has sparked more than a bit of fear in the hearts of parents around the region who have always known the Valley as a safe reprieve from the violence of big cities.
Ken and I are most definitely among the parents wondering how we can better protect any and all tiny people from predators.
This terrible event has made us look very hard at the resources currently out there to help ensure children are more safe and - in the case of abduction - our children are easily, quickly and safely found.
One remarkable local resource is Street Smart Kidz, run by local dad Steven Baird.
He has compiled an outstanding collection of resources, along with his own wisdom, for parents to tap into and arm themselves against the ugly of the world.
Another outstanding resource in the fight against abuse is Little Warriors, a Canadian web site devoted to prevention, recognition and responsible reaction to predatory child abuse.
Baird?s Street Smart Kidz offers an important resource that I want to encourage parents to take full advantage of - the FREE Street Smart Kidz ID Kit.
This simple kit allows you to collect vital information about your kids (fingerprints, DNA, updated photos), keep it all in one place and have critical details readily available in case of emergency.
Another great tool, created by Nanaimo moms Cathy Aniceto and Michelle Bigg (thanks for reminding me of these, Marieke) is the Vital ID Wrist Bands. These cool wrist bands contain vital contact information and details about allergies or medical conditions.
We are our children?s protectors.
It?s sad that we have to take such steps. But, please do so.
Our thoughts are with the people effected by this frightening event.
