In the spirit of LeadSA, presenters Darren Simpson and Samantha Cowen urged road users to donate their used car seats and give a child the gift of safety. Recent statistics revealed by the Global Road Safety Partnership SA and the Road Safety Fund outline over 1.3 million motor vehicle fatalities every year. The dangers for children who are not strapped into a car seat are indeed a stark and harsh reality.
"Being a dad to a little boy, my heart goes out to parents who cannot afford car seats for their kids. If you have a car seat that your child has outgrown or is not being used, I urge you to donate it," said Simpson.
94.7 Highveld Stereo's Altech Netstar Ground Patrol team will be stationed across Johannesburg during the next two weeks, where car seats can be dropped off. The collection schedule for the week of 1 - 4 October 2013 is as follows:
• Tuesday, 1 October: Brightwater Commons (7am - 4.30pm)
• Wednesday, 2 October: The Glen (7am - 4.30pm)
• Thursday, 3 October: Hillfox Shopping Centre (7am - 4.30pm)
• Friday, 4 October: East Rand Mall (7am - 4.30pm)
All collected car seats will be re-upholstered, safety checked and cleaned by non-profit organisation, Wheel Well, before distribution. Based in Brightwater Commons, Randburg, Wheel Well will also serve as a constant drop off point during weekdays.
"Road safety is a key priority for the group, where educating and empowering South Africans to behave responsibly is integral to our values and corporate responsibility," says Niki Cronje, group marketing at Imperial I-Pledge. "Our alignment with the radio station brings this commitment to light and we strongly encourage all parents to be part of the change that we are trying to achieve to make a difference to a child's life."
Last year's campaign won the MTN Radio Award for Community Project under the Commercial segment. The awareness campaign will continue to run during the month of October. For more details on the collection points, go to www.highveld.co.za.
