Nanoose Bay Elementary School is raising funds while helping local residents keep safe this month, by providing 72-hour emergency preparedness packs through St. John's Ambulance.
The packs — which range from a 13-piece student kit to a 117-piece kit for a family of four — may contain items ranging from first aid supplies, emergency water, gloves, matches and foil blanket to food bars, a flashlight and AM/FM radio.
The emergency packs can be ordered through the Nanoose Bay Elementary Parent Advisory Council (PAC) through April 1.
"We're calling the campaign, 'Don't be a Fool; Be Prepared,' PAC co-ordinator Joanna Fell said, referring to the April Fool's Day deadline.
"We'll be the first PAC on Vancouver Island to run this program, which was previously piloted in Vancouver."
A portion of the proceeds from each pack sold go to PAC projects at Nanoose Bay Elementary, including updating the school's own classroom emergency packs, re-stocking the school's E-prep (emergency preparedness) Centre and purchasing iPads for further education.
Fell, whose husband volunteers with the Nanoose Bay Volunteer Fire Department, said the idea came from recent seismic events on and around Vancouver Island.
In researching to find an appropriate pack for her own family, she came upon the recently developed fundraising initiative of St. John's Ambulance in Nanaimo.
Students at NBES have been sent home with order forms; others may view or download the order form and a detailed description of the various emergency packs and prices from the Nanoose Bay Elementary PAC's Facebook page.
You may also order or get more info from Joanna Fell at 250-802-5656 or e-mail:
joanna@joannafell.com.