Winnipeg, MB – At an event this morning, Councillor Mike Pagtakhan and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief, John Lane, accepted a donation of 1,000 stuffed animals from Sara’s Safety Friends, a joint initiative between Sara Tabac, the Firefighters’ Burn Fund, and Red River Mutual. The stuffed dogs known as ‘Patch’ will be placed on Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) vehicles and given to children experiencing an emergency.
“I’m so happy to be able to help children my own age and in my own community,” said 13-year-old Sara Tabac. “I can only imagine what it’s like to go through a fire and hope that Patch will make the situation a little less scary.”
“I’m pleased to accept this generous donation from Sara, the Firefighters’ Burn Fund and Red River Mutual,” said Councillor Mike Pagtakhan, Chair, Standing Policy Committee for Protection, Community Services and Parks. “The creativity and initiative that Sara has shown in envisioning Sara’s Safety Friends shows her commitment to giving back to the community and I would like to applaud her efforts. I know these stuffed toys will bring smiles to children in crisis.”
“On behalf of the WFPS, I would like to thank Sara, the Firefighters’ Burn Fund and Red River Mutual for recognizing the special needs of children in emergencies,” said Chief John Lane, WFPS. “Emergencies can be difficult for adults to navigate and even more so for children. By offering one of these stuffed toys at the scene of an emergency, our first responders are able to extend compassion to children who may be stressed or injured.”
“It’s when people are at their most vulnerable that they need someone who will have their back and look out for their best interests,” said Brian Esau, President and CEO of Red River Mutual. “We believe everyone has a right to feel safe and protected and we’re proud to be a part of initiatives that support not only the physical safety of our communities but the emotional needs as well.”
For more information on Sara’s Safety Friends, please visit sarasafetyfriends.com.
Background
Sara’s Safety Friends was envisioned by 13-year-old Sara Tabac after touring a Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Station and, realizing that children in a crisis may not have the opportunity to grab a comforting toy, she wanted to provide scared children with something to make them feel safe.
Through a sponsorship with Red River Mutual and the involvement of the Firefighters’ Burn Fund, Sara helped design and purchase 1,000 stuffed ‘Patch’ dogs with the intent of helping other children in our community. Her hope is to be able to purchase 2,500 additional stuffed toys in 2018.
Sara’s Safety Friends will work to educate young people about the importance of fire safety and how they can help keep their families safe in a crisis.