HUMBOLDT — Safe Communities Humboldt and Area will be expanding the time and scope of their annual positive ticketing campaign.
Since 2014, Safe Community has worked with the Humboldt RCMP, Humboldt and District Ambulance Service and the Humboldt Fire Department to award both kids and grown-ups with positive tickets for their safe behavior. That includes wearing helmets while riding bikes, scooters or skateboards, avoiding illegal street crossing, or showing others how to be safe.
As the campaign enters its sixth year, Shari Hinz, Safe Communities’ executive director, said she hopes it creates a culture and mindset for safety within youth who’ve grown up with it.
“Safe youth become safe teenagers. Safe teenagers become safe adults, safe employees, and safe citizens,” she said.
This year, the campaign will run for an extra two months from years past, from May 15 to Nov. 15. It will also recognize youth who are inclusive with peers and confront bullying, Hinz said.
By continuing into the fall months, youth will be awarded positive tickets for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks as well.
“That's fall prevention, and another aspect of safety for everyone. Not just seniors, but everyone in the community,” Hinz said. “Falls are a huge area of injury in our province and across the country.”
Including the beginning of the school year also means that emergency workers can award more kids for more acts of safety.
“Sometimes, it’s been a bit of a challenge to find youth throughout the summer,” Hinz said.
She said she’s seen more children preferring to spend more time indoors.
As such, more prizes are geared towards getting kids outside, including passes for bowling, mini golf, the aquatics center and Humboldt Broncos tickets. Others include gift cards, blankets and toys.
Those who receive positive tickets can fill them out and drop them off at the Uniplex or City Hall to be entered into a grand prize draw conducted in early December. This year’s grand prize will be a Bose Bluetooth speaker.
