Benefits of Kinsmen sponsored video will last for many years
Siobhan Burns, Special to Alberni Valley Times
Published: Thursday, May 12, 2011The Port Alberni Kinsmen were recently recognized for their support and sponsorship of a video that may save lives.
The local club partnered with Street Smart Kidz and created a short film called the back pack toss. The clip gets a message across to children that is invaluable, especially if they are ever approached by a stranger.
In the video, Street Smart Kidz managing director Steven Baird explains the steps involved in the backpack toss, which was designed to let people know that a child is in danger. The first step is for the child to undo a zipper on their backpack while stepping away from the vehicle that has approached them. The child is told to follow that step two more times, while keeping an eye on the vehicle's door handle.
If the door opens, the child is instructed to dump all their belongings onto the ground, including the backpack, and then run in the opposite direction the vehicle is travelling.
It is a simple trick that would draw attention to the situation, or it would be a sign to someone who arrives at the scene moments later. That person can then be aware of their surroundings, which may lead to an arrest or save more lives.
Baird shared a story about two students, ages 10 and 11, who were fortunate to escape a similar situation. The children were walking to school when they were approached by a person driving a white van.
When the students arrived at their school, they immediately told their principal who contacted the police. A staff member at the school happened to notice that the students' backpacks were open, and items were spilling out. The children explained that they were in the process of the backpack toss before they decided their best option was to run.
The video not only tells the students what they need to do, but it also creates awareness. If there is a plan in place, children who end up in such a scenario are less likely to panic. They will follow the simple steps and likely be OK.
Baird announced that the video is listed on several websites, including companies that produce and sell back packs. It has also been shared in hundreds of classrooms and daycares in Canada and the U.S. Also, about 500 DVDs have been mailed out and will be shared in school systems across the country.