Gently used life jackets can be donated at the Thornbury Harbour Office from July 15 to August 15, 2019
The Canadian Power Squadron has collaborated with the Canadian Safe Boating Council and Canadian Rangers Foundation (Canada’s paramilitary northern native patrol program) to collect gently used life jackets that will be sent to the indigenous communities in Northern Canada.
Life jackets and education are needed in First Nation communities in Northern Canada where the supply is limited and cost of buying a life jacket is prohibitive. Life jackets, when they are available in isolated Northern communities, can cost in excess of $100 each, making them beyond the financial resources of most families. The drowning death rate in the northern regions continues to be significantly higher than anywhere else in Canada, at nearly seven times the national average.
Once collected, life jackets will be distributed with the expertise of volunteer Canadian Rangers. During distribution, educational programs covering life jackets, cold water, reboarding and the need for a trip plan will be taught by Rangers in remote and isolated communities.
If you would like to donate a new or gently used life jacket, you can do so at the Thornbury Harbour Office (41 Bruce Street North, Thornbury) between July 15 and August 15. Thornbury Harbour summer hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week.