Children across Grey Highlands will be getting light-up safety arm bands just in time for Halloween.
At its meeting on Oct. 4, Grey Highlands council voted in favour of making a $500 donation to a pedestrian safety project initiative led by Eugenia resident Ron Barnett, who attended the meeting as a delegation.
Barnett said after the fatal crash in Eugenia last summer, which happened a couple of blocks from his home, he spearheaded a “social enterprise project” to encourage safety on local roads. Four pedestrians were struck by a car in Eugenia in July 2022, including 44-year-old Kevin Walsh, who died at the scene.
“I was looking for a way to keep pedestrians safe while walking on our roads at night,” he said.
He put together a project to distribute light-up LED safety armbands to local children who would be out trick or treating.
“I thought they would be perfect for kids at Halloween,” said Barnett.
He procured and distributed 700 of the armbands in 2022 with the help of local community businesses.
“When I saw kids coming to my door on Halloween wearing armbands, it felt great,” he said.
This year, Barnett is extending the initiative across the municipality to Markdale, Flesherton, Eugenia and Feversham. He has purchased 1,200 of the armbands and asked council to consider making a $500 donation to the project to help cover the costs. He has lined up a number of sponsors and local businesses to help with the costs and the distribution.
“I’d love this project to be a model for other municipalities,” he said.
Members of council were effusive in their praise for the project.
“Thanks for bringing this great idea together,” said Mayor Paul McQueen.
Council voted unanimously to make a $500 donation to the project.
