A small thing that can save lives is a big issue for some families in the area.
Now the Bruce Children are Special Foundation is stepping in to make sure families in need have smoke detectors with batteries.
The program is the brain child of Cherie Borho – the administrator for the Bruce Children are Special Foundation.
The foundation works hand in hand with the Children’s Aid Foundation to make sure children are given a “hand-up” no matter what their economic situation is.
Borho was approached by some case workers from the Children’s Aid saying this was a concern – going into families homes they were involved with and not seeing working smoke detectors.
Borho approached the Walkerton Fire Department and Energizer Canada and in just a few weeks the program has taken form.
The fire department has donated the smoke detectors and Energizer the batteries.
Borho says while many families think these items are not a big expense – to those in need it can seem a lot.
Borho says although the program is new – the response has been good.
Borho says this is one way the foundation is keeping its slogan of “give a child a hand up” so that they are safe in their own home – so tragedy can be avoided.