DOOR 2008
Window & Balcony Safety
"Window and Door Safety Expands Nationally"
Children continue to benefit from the partnership that has been formed between the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association and EMS Chiefs of Canada to promote window and balcony safety for children across Canada. In a collaborative effort to prevent further tragedies, 12 cities across Canada are developing and promoting educational injury prevention campaigns aimed specifically at preventing window and balcony falls.
"Window and balcony falls are preventable. The EMS Chiefs are committed to this expanding injury prevention partnership across Canada", said Bruce Farr, Chief of Toronto EMS and President of the EMS Chiefs of Canada. "Our strong friendship and cooperation has enabled us to move forward in our efforts to eliminate falls from windows and balconies in Montreal and Quebec City this year. We are now covering Canada coast to coast with this ever expanding program.
The special guest for the opening ceremonies was Toronto City Councilor Janet Davis, Montreal EMS Deputy Chief Andre Champagne and Quebec City EMS Chief Serge Malaison. The Councilor applauded the efforts of the association and the EMS services across Canada for continuing the very successful development of this program. This shows how cooperation between the public services, industry associations and their membership can be so effective at delivering the message and education on such a grand scale. New units were presented to the Chiefs of Montreal and Quebec City Emergency Medical Services at the opening ceremonies.
CWDMA President Henry Banman and Chief Bruce Farr also presented Awards of Recognition to one very brave citizen and four heroic Toronto Police Officers who bravely saved a two year old toddler from plunging eleven stories to a sure death. Citizen Robert Tilling, Toronto Police Service Officers Constable Daryl Pleshe, Constable Derek Mole, Constable Scott Babin and Inspector Thomas Fitzgerald accepted on behalf of Constable William Taafe.
The 'Partners Promoting Window and Door Safety' booth at the show was staffed by Paramedics from Montreal and Toronto EMS. The famous "putting challenge" was prominent feature at the booth, with proceeds going toward the Window & Balcony Safety Program. Henry Banman, President of the CWDMA was on hand for the drawing of the lucky winners. The prizes were graciously donated by Truth Hardware, Sika Canada, and Veka, featuring Callaway golf products and Odyssey Putters.
Dean Shaddock and Joanne Papania of Toronto EMS pull the Grand Prize ticket Partners Promoting Window Safety Winners - Booth "Safety 1"
Grand Prize Winner - Complete set of Callaway X480 Woods & Big Bertha Irons
Sandy Munro – Bryarhouse Publishing – Komoka, Ontario
The proceeds of the putting challenge donations combined with a generous contribution from the Win·door North America 2007 show committee raised $3,000.00 dollars for this injury prevention campaign. "The challenge to the CWDMA membership is to be able to increase awareness, participation and support of this very important safety program in future" stated Ron Vanden Brink "as Chair of the Show Committee, "we will continue our efforts to strengthen involvement in this important public awareness program across Canada".