An endeavour to re-launch the Block Parent Program in Picture Butte should be applauded, but more importantly it should be supported.
This program, known for the red and white signs in windows in communities across the country, has been active in Canada for four decades. It has been a number of years since Picture Butte had an active Block Parent Program and now a push is underway to get it up and running again.
A similar push in Coaldale in the last few years re-activated the program in that community and now the focus is on doing the same on the north side of the river.
Hats off to Ralph Oldenburger who is spearheading an information meeting this Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Elks Hall. He hopes local residents from around the community will attend to learn more about the program and how it can be re-activated in the town.
The mission statement of the Block Parent Program is to provide immediate assistance through a safety network and offer supportive community education programs.
The mandate of the program across Canada is to have a minimum of one Block Parent window sign in each community. Those who volunteer for the program are asked to offer their home as place of safety when someone is lost, ill or hurt; caught in bad weather; bullied or frightened by a stranger.
Block Parent volunteers assist children in distress by calling the appropriate emergency service such as police, fire or ambulance when necessary.
While historically the public has associated Block Parent with providing assistance to children the program also serves to provide help for seniors who may find themselves lost, ill or hurt.
While the demand on volunteers is certainly minimal, putting up the red and white sign when they are home and available to offer assistance, the program can go along way toward improving community safety.
Just knowing the program is running in our communities adds a layer of security for residents who know if their child or senior parent becomes lost or injured while out in the community there will be someone who is willing to offer assistance.
While the good neighbour policy can provide a similar benefit, it’s nice to know there are volunteers who have already been screened by the RCMP and have cleared a criminal records check.
It’s much easier to teach a child to look for the red and white Block Parent sign in a window than it is to teach them who they can trust in an emergency.
If you have ever worried about children and seniors in your community now is the time to act. By attending the information meeting potential volunteers can learn about the Block Parent Program and just how important it can be to helping provide a safe and caring community.
It doesn’t take a lot of time to become a volunteer with the program but just taking the time to sign up and put out a sign could make the difference in someone’s life.