SGI LAUNCHES PROVINCIAL CHILD SAFETY INITIATIVE

Released on April 28, 2003

May 10th, 2003 is being dedicated to child passenger safety in Saskatchewan to help parents get the right fit for their children's car safety seats.

Crown Investments Corporation Minister Maynard Sonntag announced that SGI, along with program sponsors and community partners, will hold free drive-thru child safety seat clinics simultaneously in over 20 locations across the province on "Child Safety Seat Day." The clinics will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on May 10th.

"Most parents are securing their children in moving vehicles, but SGI surveys show that half of children age eight and under are not properly secured and fitted into their child seats," Sonntag said. "It's a complicated process and many parents are moving their children into seat belts far too early. Visiting a free drive-thru clinic on May 10th is the best way to make sure their children are travelling safely."

"Child Safety Seat Day" serves as the kick off to SGI's annual four-month child restraint campaign. In the past five years about 10,000 child restraints have been checked at free clinics. These clinics were made possible with the support of many community partners like SGI CANADA brokers, regional health districts and emergency medical services. Rawlco Radio and CTV Saskatchewan have joined as media partners for the 2003 campaign, and the Insurance Brokers' Association of Saskatchewan (IBAS) continues as a sponsor for the fifth consecutive year.

"Independent brokers are community-minded people with an interest in safety," IBAS President Larry Kozakevich said. "This program is a perfect fit for IBAS because it promotes the safety of the most vulnerable members of our communities – children."

Trained volunteers offer assistance in properly installing a child safety seat in a vehicle. It takes about 20 minutes per seat. The volunteers help ensure the seat is the right one for the child's size, that it fits the vehicle and that the child is in the seat safely and securely.

Throughout the summer, parents and guardians can find a free drive-thru clinic in their community by checking the schedule on SGI's web site at www.sgi.sk.ca or by calling SGI's Customer Service Centre toll free at 1-800-667-9868.

Attachment: Clinic Locations

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For More Information, Contact:

Julianne Jack SGI Communications Regina Phone: (306) 775-6907 Email: jjack@sgi.sk.ca