Lions distribute life-saving “message in a bottle”

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Allyson Beauregard


Allyson Beauregard

SHAWVILLE – The Shawville Lions Club recently launched a new program to help make emergency responses more efficient and effective, especially with the Pontiac’s aging population. The free, potentially life-saving kit includes a bottle containing basic personal and medical details, as well as two Lions Green Cross Emergency stickers to be placed on the front door of a residence and the fridge, where the bottle is then stored. 
In the event of an emergency, the stickers will alert First Responders that the
resident’s medical information is located in the fridge. “The bottle will speak for the person when they can’t,” said Lions member Terry Campbell, noting the information will allow First Responders to offer care faster, with the proper knowledge – like allergies and current medications – in mind.
“It’s something we can do on a local scale that is inexpensive, but has the potential to save lives,” he concluded. The cost of the program is covered entirely by the Lions Club.
According to Campbell, the initiative began with Lions Clubs in Scotland about a decade ago, and later spread to Ireland where it really blossomed. The program started in Canada in 2014, in Napanee, Ontario. Forty-three Lions Clubs across the country now promote it, but the Shawville Club is the first in the Pontiac. Campbell said the Club is in the process of notifying local fire departments and ambulance services about the program so they know to look for the stickers when responding to calls.
Campbell stressed the kits are completely free and will be offered to all Pontiac residents, not just those in Shawville. However, he hopes other local clubs will get involved to better promote the program in their own regions.    
The kits are currently available in three locations in Shawville – Pontiac Chiropractic Clinic, Uniprix Sante, and Familiprix – or by contacting the Shawville Lions directly. They will also have the kits on hand at many local events, such as the Shawville Fair. “Wherever we are, the bottles will be there,” concluded Campbell.