(Oakland County), Mich. – Mar 07, 2017 – With spring around the corner, Genisys Credit Union is gearing up to promote several programs to keep students safe in the upcoming months. The credit union is partnering with McLaren Oakland to sponsor United Healthcare’s Safe Wheels and Heels . The program, which takes places in early spring, will teach bicycle and skating safety tips to elementary students in Pontiac, Oxford, Clarkston and Waterford. Genisys is also partnering with the Waterford Regional Fire Department to sponsor its annual Fire Safety Program, taking place in elementary schools across Waterford Township and Pontiac during the spring months.
“Genisys is thrilled to be involved with such thoughtful and dedicated partners,” said Jackie Buchanan, Genisys Credit Union President and CEO. “We take great pride in helping to educate and ensure the safety of the children within our communities.”
Both the Fire Educational Series and Safe Wheels and Heels are a part of Genisys Credit Union’s Making a Difference Campaign. The effort aims to support and serve communities across Michigan, allowing the credit union to give back to the communities who have helped Genisys become one of the largest credit unions in the state of Michigan. In 2016 their Making a Difference campaign contributed over $125,000 to local charities, while providing over 4,500 volunteer hours.
Safe Wheels and Heels was launched in 2008 after employees at McLaren Oakland Hospital noticed an uptick in head trauma injuries amongst children. The program educates children on the importance of wearing a helmet and following other safety rules. Helmet safety is critical to preserving the health of young riders; according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons helmets reduce the risk of severe brain injury by 88%.
The program not only educates children on the importance of helmets, but also provides a free helmet to every student. Safe Wheels and Heels will be giving away approximately 1,800 helmets to second graders this spring; pushing the total to nearly 8,000 since the program’s inception. McLaren Oakland Hospital has seen a 74% decrease in bicycle-related injuries in 6-10 year-olds during that timeframe.
The Fire Safety Program is a year-round effort performed by the Waterford Regional Fire Department. The goal of the program is to educate elementary school students on fire safety while spreading the message to their families. During the spring and fall, the department brings their portable “safety house” to schools to educate third and fourth graders on escape protocol in the case of a fire emergency. The safety house is filled with theatrical smoke and volunteers from the department help guide students on effective techniques to escape safely. Students receive a brochure to review with their families and to help them develop appropriate fire safety plans, as well as precautionary checklists to help keep their households safe.
“I would like to set up a program where the children go home and count their smoke detectors, make sure they work, come up with an escape plan with their family and practice their addresses,” said Waterford Regional Fire Prevention Education Coordinator, Kurt Vine. “That would hopefully inspire parents to be involved with the process as well.”
Buffalo Wild Wings and Genisys Credit Union are partnering to provide one free youth meal voucher to select Buffalo Wild Wings locations to reward students who return a signed brochure to the school after completing the safety plan with their family.
