May 7, 2007 (THUNDER BAY) As part of a Canada wide event, Thunder Bay’s Wal-Mart store will host a helmet-fitting workshop staffed by representatives from Thunder Bay Police and Thunder Bay District Health Unit. On May 12, 2007, demonstrations and helmet-fittings are to be conducted in over 40 Wal-Mart locations from Vancouver to St. Johns. 

Thunder Bay families are invited to bring in their helmets from home for a fitting assessment. Those planning to purchase a helmet for this cycling season can also take advantage of this opportunity to have their new helmets correctly fitted.

Children under the age of 15 years have the highest injury rate associated with cycling and other wheeled recreational activities. Helmets, worn properly, can reduce risks for head injury by 85%. 

“Bicycle helmets afford little protection if worn incorrectly” says Marita Campbell, Public Health Nurse working in Injury Prevention at Thunder Bay District Health Unit. “Recent surveys have found that only 53% of children found wearing a bicycle helmet, were wearing them properly.”

The event is made possible through longstanding partnerships amongst ThinkFirst Canada, Wal-Mart Canada and Bell Sports.

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Media are invited to a Photo Opportunity: Thunder Bay Police will be available for photo or interview in the Thunder Bay Wal-Mart Toy Department Saturday May 12, 2007 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information,

Laura J. Craig 
Coordinator of Marketing and Communications 
(807) 625-8800 

Marita Campbell
Public Health Nurse
(807) 625-5962