Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers has expanded its annual Finger Print Clinic into the first-ever Children’s Safety Expo, bringing together local public safety personnel and community organizations in a single event.
The expo will take place Sunday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the John D. Bradley Centre. Children, youth and their families will have the opportunity to meet representatives from the Chatham-Kent Police Services, OPP, Moraviantown Police, Chatham-Kent Fire Services, Chatham-Kent EMS, Student Transportation Services, and LinCK. Demonstrations and displays will be offered free of charge.
The Finger Print Clinic will continue as part of the expo, allowing children from infancy to 16 years of age to have their fingerprints and photographs taken. “In the unfortunate occurrence of a child going missing or being abducted, gathering all vital information ready for police can take time. That is why Crime Stoppers hosts this clinic as it allows parents and guardians to gather the critical details needed to expedite the search process, and save precious time should the worst happen,” said Erica McIntosh, Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers coordinator. “Our team will be on hand to collect this information as digital files which are provided to families on a complimentary flash drive. We also want to stress that no records are kept by police services. These files are confidential and only accessible to parents or guardians.”
Organizers say this is the first time all of these service providers will be in one location in Chatham-Kent outside of an emergency situation. Children attending the expo will receive safety training in a variety of emergency scenarios. “It won’t be all business though,” said Bill Isaacs, vice-president of Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers. “The day will be sweetened up with a variety of treats including slushies, cotton candy, cookies, popcorn, and hot dogs and french fries. For any kids coming dressed up as an emergency responder, their name will be entered to win a new bike provided by Smyth Cycle.”
Sarah VanderBrand, president of Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers, credited the event’s sponsors for making the day possible. “We would not have been able to put the day together without the help of our partners and sponsors,” she said. “Impact Graphics, The Flying Squirrel, Abstract Marketing, Galaxy Cinemas and the CK Charity Classic Golf Tournament stepped up so that we could provide this really amazing event at no cost to participants.”
Children will also receive a prize passport to complete at the event, with opportunities to win a Nintendo Switch provided by Abstract Marketing or a bike from Smyth Cycle. LinCK will offer certified car seat installation, with participants needing to register in advance online as spots are limited.
For more information, visit ckcrimestoppers.ca.
