|
Our speaker, Tara Mondou was introduced. She is chair of Waterloo Regional Block Parent Program. This volunteer organization has existed since 1977 and she has been a volunteer member since 2009. She lives in West Galt and has also been involved in organizing content for the Neighbours of West Galt magazine. She has authored 2 children's novels and is director of Guitars for kids. She received a Bernice Adams award in 2018. She is passionate about child safety but also intent on getting kids ( and parents) out of their cars and houses. Walking to school is a lost activity. Parents worry about bad people but also do not know how to teach their kids about crossing streets etc. This is what they do by attending school events and neighbourhood association events. A Block Parent sign in a window means that a child can seek help at that house, but they are no longer allowed in the house. The child has to stay on the porch with the block parent while calls are made. It seems that actual events where a child is being followed or harassed are few and far between. The Block Parent Program needs two things: It needs more volunteers ( especially since Covid) and it needs financial support. Tara specifically asked for financial assistance in order to publish more of their booklets. These booklets include activities for children and families to help educate and also attract volunteers.They cost $3 each to print and she would like a1000 copies.
Thank you Tara for your informative talk. Todd had a baking joke about how to make a Swiss roll. You can figure it out. Come to the Fireside next Thursday. Bring a guest. It seems that our neighbours to the south are running out of eggs due to Avian flu. We are ok so far. Enjoy your omelette. |
