Windsor Youth Gain Safety with Free Helmet Giveaway Event

Dozens of youth in Windsor received free bike helmets on October 14, 2023, as part of an initiative aimed at raising awareness about concussions and head injury prevention. The event was organized by the Brain Injury Association of Windsor & Essex (BIAWE) at the Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario building. Families lined up to collect the helmets and receive professional fittings to ensure safety while riding.

Lisa Gaspar, a social worker and client service coordinator for the BIAWE, highlighted the importance of proper helmet use. “We find that most kids actually don’t have helmets or don’t have helmets that fit them properly. So, at this event, we make sure that the kids get the helmets and also that they’re fit properly,” she explained. Properly fitted helmets serve as the “first line of defense” against head injuries, particularly during falls.

To ensure the helmets were effective, Gaspar provided guidelines for proper fitting. The association advises that two fingers should fit between the bottom of the helmet and the eyebrows, the straps should sit snugly around the ears, and one finger should fit between the chin strap and chin.

A significant barrier to helmet use is often related to cost, which can prevent families from acquiring the necessary gear. Gaspar noted that some riders might use ill-fitting or damaged helmets due to financial constraints. “If you’re falling and you hit your head, if your helmet isn’t fit properly, it’s not going to protect you to the full extent that it could,” she said.

The event featured over 100 helmets of various sizes and colors, aimed not only at enhancing safety but also at promoting awareness of support groups available for youth with a history of head trauma, as well as for parents of affected children.

Rachel Olsen, executive director of the BIAWE, emphasized the importance of communication regarding head injuries. “If you hit your head, you have to tell your parents, your teacher, your coach. It’s really important that you get that intervention if you need it. So, seeing your doctor, getting checked for a concussion, and then following concussion protocol,” Olsen stated.

According to the BIAWE, signs of a concussion can include difficulty thinking clearly, sleep disturbances, and physical symptoms such as dizziness or headaches. The organization aims to educate not only children but also their families about the critical nature of recognizing and responding to these signs promptly.

As community awareness grows, initiatives like this helmet giveaway play a vital role in promoting safety and fostering a culture of proactive health care among youth and their families in Windsor.