SGI Offering Car Seat Grants

MJ Independent

SGI realizes that car seats aren't cheap. But they still want parents to keep their kids safe and snug when travelling; that's why they are now offering a Car Seat Grant.

"A proper car seat is one of the most important ways to keep a baby or small child safe and snug at every age and stage" said Tyler McMurchy, Manager of Media Relations at SGI said. "There are people who struggle to afford one, or simply don't know they legally need one."

"In Saskatchewan, one in four children injured or killed in collisions were found to be in an incorrect car seat, an incorrectly installed car seat, or not to be using one at all" McMurchy said.

Using a properly fitted car seat is the best way to keep kids safe in a car.

SGI and the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute are rolling out a new Car Seat Grant program. The program is open to non-profit groups and law enforcement agencies to purchase car seats, to a maximum of $2,500 per year per organization. Organizations can apply for the grant, and if successful, will receive the funds to purchase the car seats that meet their needs. The grant will be offered four times per year.
 

"When we spoke to the groups and organizations that have received SGI Community Grants in the past, many said they were applying to that program to get funding for car seats," said Penny McCune, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund. "Since we found there was a dedicated need for car seats, we created a grant program specifically for that need."

To apply for the grant, visit the SGI website at www.sgi.sk.ca/community-grants-programs and download the Car Seat Grant application form. Applications are open now, and will close on May 30, with those selected for grants notified at the end of June 2018. There will be additional opportunities to apply for the grant throughout the year, with funds awarded in September, December and March.

SGI gives back through events that support our communities, and donates to charities and not-for-profit organizations. Preference is given to organizations and events likely to provide lasting benefits to the citizens of the province.

Reminder: The law states that children must be properly restrained in the appropriate infant/car/booster seat, and facing the right way (forward or backwards depending on their size and age). Car seats are mandatory for children under 18 kg (40 lbs) and booster seats are mandatory for children under seven years of age.

If you are uncertain about car seat legislation, feel free to attend an upcoming car seat clinic at www.sgi.sk.ca/clinic. From May to September 2018, attend a car seat clinic. If you do so you'll be entered into a monthly draw to win one of four car seats, plus a grand prize of a $1,000 RESP compliments of the Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan.