Safe Kids Northeast Florida, Jacksonville Resident, Participating in Marine Marathon 2009 on Oct. 25
Run Promotes Awareness of Children's Injury Prevention
Jacksonville, Florida, October 12, 2009 -- Safe Kids Northeast Florida, a local chapter of Safe Kids USA, is one of only 25 out of 600 Safe Kids coalitions and chapters across the country that is participating as a charity partner with the Marine Corps Marathon, which takes place Sunday, October 25, 2009, in Washington, DC. This race will draw more than 30,000 runners from around the country.
The 25 runners from Safe Kids will be running to promote awareness of preventable childhood injuries, the leading cause of death and disability in children ages 1 -14, and to raise funds that will support its life-saving programs on both the national and local levels.
Representing Safe Kids Northeast Florida in the race is Andy Woods, a runner for more than 10 years who has completed multiple marathons, and a father of two young children.
"As a dad, I appreciate the work Safe Kids is doing here in Northeast Florida to keep children safe. Drowning, injuries from motor vehicles, bike crashes and falls can be prevented. Safe Kids' efforts put tips and tools in the hands of parents to help keep their kids out of the emergency room, and I consider it a blessing to be running for such an important cause," says Woods.
Every day 17,000 children--an average of 12 every minute--sustain injuries that could have been prevented. These injuries either claim young lives that could have been saved, or leave behind a lifetime of suffering for a child with permanent injuries. To address these issues, Safe Kids' mostly volunteer network provides:
- Hands-on help installing car seats
- In-school programs on pedestrian and bike safety
- Water safety awareness and education
- Distribution of safety materials and supplies
Safe Kids funds purchase safety devices such as car seats, bike helmets and swimming lessons for families in need. Educational programs at the local level provide best practice information and the safety devices that can prevent many injuries and save children's lives. In Northeast Florida, Safe Kids is led by Wolfson Children's Hospital.
To learn more about the Marine Marathon or to donate to support Andy Woods in his run, please go to http://sk.convio.net/goto/NEFL.team.
