FRIENDS Magazine Fall 2007 - Banner Health

farBanner ThunderbirdChildren’s SafetyMaking aDifferenceCotton candy, balloon rides, clowns, live music, inflatable bouncyactivities, fire trucks and a few helicopters offer all the makings for a funfamily event. Add in 1,200 free bike helmets and helpful safety demonstrations,and you have the Banner Thunderbird Children’s Safety Fair.P“ resenting safety information in a party-like to attract even more participants who prefer warmeratmosphere gives the kids the perspective weather festivities.that safety is hip and fun,” says Naomi Representatives from the Banner ThunderbirdFoote, RN, Banner Thunderbird Medical Emergency Department, Pediatrics, Public RelationsCenter. “They are not lectured on safety, and other hospital volunteers contribute time and energyto planning this annual event. In its early years, thebut instead are invited to learn about it bylooking, touching, and trying new things.”What started as a kid-focused event to drawattention to the importance of wearing helmets when ridingbikes and scooters has evolved into a Northwest Valleyfair was organized and managed by only 20 people. Dueto its ever-growing popularity, the fair now requires thehelp of 300 people, including local residents, fire andpolice department personnel, vendors, performers andtradition now entering its seventh year. The trained staff to fit helmetsinaugural fair welcomed nearly 1,000 people to the PeoriaSports Complex. Today, more than 7,000 kids and parentsfor the children, who jointogether to stage thiscome for the four-hour, fun-filled event – and thefree bike helmets! January has typically been the hostmonth for the fair, but the 2008 event will move to April,The annual BannerThunderbird Children’s SafetyFair promotes safety and fun.40FRIENDS ■ FALL/WINTER 2007