UCHealth Northern Colorado Foundation (NCF) was recently awarded a $13,400 grant to support Safe Kids Larimer County (SKLC). These funds will be instrumental in facilitating the purchase of over 150 car seats and booster seats for low-income families in Larimer County and Estes Park, Colorado.
The grant award from Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc.’s National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund was announced on November 11, 2023. A hand-delivered check was accepted by NCF staff on December 12, 2023.
“We are so grateful for organizations such as Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society who understand the importance of keeping kids safe while in the vehicle,” said Alison Weston, UCHealth Injury Prevention Specialist. “We see families who struggle to make rent, buy food, pay for utilities so items such as car seats are beyond their capacity.”
Led by UCHealth, SKLC is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of coalitions dedicated to preventing accidental injury to children birth to 19 years of age at home, at play, and on the way. SKLC partners with local coalition members such as UCHealth EMS, Poudre Fire Authority, and Colorado State Patrol to provide education, research, media awareness, and access to safety devices.
As part of their injury prevention programming, SKLC’s Car Seat Education and Distribution Program offers classes for families in financial need of a car seat or booster seat for their child. Parents must attend a 1-hour class to learn about proper car seat use. Upon completion of the course, parents receive a brand-new car seat that is appropriate for the age, weight and height their child. The program is offered in both English and Spanish.
“With the help of these funds, we will be able to give these families the peace of mind that they are receiving a new, appropriately sized seat for their child while also empowering them with the education on how to utilize it correctly,” Weston added.
UCHealth Grants Officer Laura Elliot presents the grant to Kathleen Petersen and SKLC
The grant award is anticipated to fund the majority of car seat needs for Larimer County and Estes Park for 2024, allowing the SKLC team additional time to focus on outreach and education efforts in our communities. To learn more about SKLC, visit https://sklarimer.org.
