Safe Kids Virginia and dozens of volunteers taught injury prevention during action-packed event at Chimborazo Park
Just like any subject in school, the lessons that are the most fun have the greatest impact. The 21st annual summer safety fair organized by Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and Safe Kids Virginia proved that Friday.
More than 100 children, including groups from multiple daycares, attended the event at Chimborazo Park in
Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood. This was the first year of the fair after a 5-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Hands on activities helped kids learn about injury prevention
The attendees were led through stations by volunteer tour guides and learned about almost every aspect of injury prevention by playing games, interacting with experts and being quizzed on their knowledge, while being rewarded with giveaways. The kids learned about swimming safety, were taught about stranger danger and were instructed how to stay safe while in and around cars and crossing the street.
Nurses demonstrated proper handwashing, firefighters gave guided tours of their fire truck, and representatives
from VCU Health’s LifeEvac shared how they airlift patients to our hospital when every second counts. Other highlights included a moonbounce, healthy snacks and the fair’s cuddliest attendee: the newest member of the New Kent Sheriff’s Office, a golden retriever named Nala.
Putting what they learned into practice
One of the biggest benefits for this year’s attendees was the free bicycle helmet they took home after volunteers made sure they were fitted properly. The free helmets were made possible thanks to a grant by the VCU Medical Center Auxiliary. But the event wasn’t just for kids. Corri Miller-Hobbs, program coordinator for Safe Kids Virginia, shared that parents and caregivers are often surprised by the information that’s passed along at events like these.
Miller-Hobbs said, “Families are often really shocked at some of the new information, and things have changed since I was a kid and since you were a kid. There are many new opportunities to learn.”
In addition to the VCU Medical Center Auxiliary, the event was made possible by City of Richmond Department of Parks and many local agencies organizing, participating and providing education.
Miller-Hobbs added, “We have a great group of volunteers from CHoR and VCU Health. They could be students, staff or faculty out here. They come and donate their time so they can be here and it gives kids an opportunity to learn from experts.”
Click here to learn more about keeping kids safe at home, in the car and while at play.