GUELPH, ON, April 1 /CNW/ - After a decade of providing hands-on car seat
education, The Co-operators has much to be proud of. And so much more to do!
This year marks the 10th anniversary of The Co-operators award-winning Buckle
Up Bears program. Over the past 10 years, The Co-operators held more than 600
car seat clinics across Canada correctly installing over 10,000 seats. The
Co-operators also has distributed more than a million growth charts, which
demonstrate the various stages of car seat safety. With more than 1,000
volunteers trained to date, the program remains in high demand in many
Canadian communities.
    "At the very heart of the Buckle Up Bears program are the dedicated
Co-operators staff and agents, and community partners who give so willingly of
their time," said Jayne Russell, Manager Public Relations for The
Co-operators. "Without them the program would does not exist."
    Led by The Co-operators, and with the expertise of the Infant and Toddler
Safety Association (ITSA), the partnership involves car seat inspection
training for Co-operators staff, agents and community partners, the production
and distribution of materials for parents and caregivers, staffing of car seat
inspection clinics, and awareness building in the broader community. On a
local level, public health nurses, police and fire officials, local businesses
and community volunteers plan, staff and contribute to the car seat inspection
clinics.
    "The Co-operators is an outstanding community partner. They're an
organization that understands the idea of 'it takes a village.' For the past
10 years, they have funded the Buckle Up Bears training program, car seat
clinics and educational materials. But, most importantly, they offer their
time," said Valerie Lee, Director, ITSA.
    In 2008, The Co-operators released an instructional video entitled Car
Seat Safety Check, which provides step-by-step instructions for selecting
appropriate car seats and installing them properly. Later this year, ITSA will
launch a website featuring Buckle Up Bears educational material as well as the
DVD contents.
    Over the past 10 years, the Buckle Up Bears program has provided parents
and caregivers with the tools and support to confidently install their car
seats.
    This spring, it is important to keep in mind the following safety tips:

    -   Overheating: the metal parts on car seats, as well as seat belt
        buckles, can overheat in the sun and cause discomfort or even burns
        for infants and children. When not in use, make sure to cover the
        metal parts of the seat belt or the car seat with a blanket or a
        towel to avoid burns.
    -   Car seat expiry date: check the expiry date on your child's car seat
        this spring located on the back in most cases. If you cannot locate
        the expiry date, please contact the manufacturer.
    -   Projectile objects: loose objects in your vehicle can be hazardous in
        the event of a sudden stop or a collision. It is critical to stow
        hard objects or secure them to protect all passengers.

    About The Co-operators:

    Based in Guelph, Ontario, The Co-operators is a group of Canadian
companies offering home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm
insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators Group Ltd. is a
100 per cent Canadian-owned co-operative with assets of $7.5 billion. It is
owned by a group of Canadian co-operatives, credit union centrals and
like-minded organizations. It is well known for its community involvement, and
is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada.

For further information: Leonard Sharman, The Co-operators,
1-877-795-7272, ext. 2707