| 09/18/2001 | Rotarians of Detroit Distribute 500 Free HelmetsAccording to a Sept. 12th story in the Detroit News, Malik Weathers, 4, could barely contain his excitement as he put on a bicycle helmet decorated with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He pedaled back and forth in front of the Belle Isle Casino, showing off his prized new possession.
That kind of pride is just what the 200 members of the Rotary Club of Detroit hoped to cultivate by distributing 500 helmets free to children ages 5 to 12. Rotarians help children all over the world through scholarships and events aimed at educating them and keeping them healthy and safe.
"Our club is very concerned about children and safety," said Ann Clark, chair of Detroit Rotary's charitable foundation, who helped initiate the annual give-away three years ago. "This was something we could do to help reduce the number of head injuries among children riding bicycles or skateboards."
While Rotarians gave away puzzles and prizes to children winning raffles, parents wandered among exhibits by Detroit Edison, the Detroit Technical Rescue Operations Team, Police Athletic League and the League of Michigan Bicyclists. Members of the Sisters of Cycling demonstrated the proper way to wear helmets while the Salvation Army distributed free water and pop.
The helmet give-away and safety presentation is one of the most visible charity projects aimed at helping Detroit youth. "We're a Detroit club and we are dedicated to helping Detroit's children," Clark said.www.detnews.com
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