Empowering Communities - Become a willing bystander™
ALLISTON, ON, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Get Ready is proud to launch the 'Become a Willing Bystander' Program in support of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation and in response to the growing challenges within Canada's healthcare and emergency response systems. This initiative is designed to empower individuals to take immediate, lifesaving action during emergencies—bridging the critical gap before 9-1-1 Emergency Services arrive.
The heart of this program is the Ready FIRST AIDE™ web application, a user-friendly digital tool providing instant access to over 60 concise instructional videos and more than 140 step-by-step treatment checklists. The app is designed for rapid use on mobile devices and helps bystanders confidently perform first aid, CPR, or AED use in the moments that matter most.
Community businesses and organizations are invited to participate by purchasing access to the Ready FIRST AIDE™ web app for their staff, members, or students at a one-time cost of just $12.00 per user. Notably, 50% ($6.00) of every purchase will be donated directly to the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation, supporting its mission to strengthen local healthcare service.
" Our healthcare system is under immense strain, and while long-term fixes are under way, we simply cannot wait. Immediate action is essential. By transforming passive bystanders into proactive responders, we can save lives and reduce the burden on emergency services," said Scott Ashley, CEO of Get Ready. "The Become a Willing Bystander program is about giving everyday people the confidence to act. As an example, for the past 25 years, the survival rate from cardiac arrest has remained below 5% across the country. However, when bystanders initiate CPR and use an AED, survival rates rise above 30%. We're encouraging people not to be afraid to help—because you can make a huge difference."
Participants who engage in this program are covered by the Good Samaritan Law, providing legal protection when delivering first aid actions in good faith, to help ensure community members feel confident and supported in offering lifesaving assistance.
"By empowering community members with immediate access to essential first aid knowledge and support, we can effectively lessen accidents and workplace injuries, minimize injury severity, and ultimately save lives. This initiative not only promotes safety but also generates vital funds to strengthen our local hospital and improve health outcomes for everyone."
Melody Craggs, Director of Development of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation.
About Get Ready
Get Ready is a premier Canadian emergency management and technology company committed to increasing community preparedness. Through innovative tools like the Ready FIRST AIDE™ web app, Get Ready enables individuals to respond effectively in real-time to critical situations.
About Stevenson Memorial Health Foundation
The Stevenson Memorial Health Foundation is dedicated to raising funds in support of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital, ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to the New Tecumseth catchment area. The Foundation's programs and initiatives help expand and modernize healthcare access for the community.
We all appreciate your participation.
Thank you!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
8 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Sponsored Content FPDI drone pilot program
When Corbin Spence-Hart's boss approached him earlier this year to see if he would be interested in taking part in a training program to become a licensed drone pilot he immediately said yes. Spence-Hart works as a First Nations safety officer in Nelson House, part of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in northern Manitoba. He viewed the opportunity to become an accredited drone pilot as a chance to do more to help people in his community including assisting on search and rescue missions and helping deal with the wildfires that have plagued the region of late. In April, he was part of the first cohort of 15 students to graduate from the Advanced Drone Accreditation Training program offered through First People's Development Inc. (FPDI), a non-profit organization that facilitates partnerships designed to develop and deliver training- to-employment programs to meet labour market needs. The pilot program was developed in conjunction with Saskatchewan Polytechnic and its Centre for Continuing Education's training solutions department. Instruction was provided by Transport Canada-certified instructors from Queen City Drone, a Regina-based company that has trained hundreds of drone pilots in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Evan Colgan, supervisor of FPDI's robotics and drones department, says the organization offered a couple of previous drone courses that were extremely popular with young learners and felt it was time to provide something a little more advanced to help meet a growing demand for trained drone pilots. 'We thought we needed to get others accredited so that First Nations communities can utilize this new technology because its growing and there's so many regulations that you need to know,' he says. 'This class is kind of perfect, especially for those communities that may not get this kind of chance otherwise.' Students received about 20 hours of classroom instruction as well as hands-on training as part of the Advanced Drone Accreditation Training program. Classroom instruction was provided in FPDI's offices on Mountain Avenue while flight training took place in a park space the organization reserved for test flights. The three-day program covers a wide range of topics including: a thorough understanding of Canadian Aviation regulations governing the use of drones; how to pilot a variety of different drones; how to read flight charts; and how to communicate with air traffic controllers. The final day includes a written test and a flight review which students must pass before receiving their pilot's license. The program is free of charge and is open to any First Nations person who resides in Manitoba. 'We really wanted to make it accessible to our First Nations which is why we offer the free tuition,' Colgan says. 'We really just wanted to make sure that we give as many people a chance as possible to help out their community.' Spence-Hart says one of his favourite parts of the program was having an opportunity to test fly some of the latest state-of-the-art drones including those used by law enforcement and firefighters. He also appreciated the fact that the instructors did a good job of explaining all the rules and regulations in easy to understand terms. 'They did an excellent job. They really helped us with some of the more confusing (topics),' he says. Queen City Drone owner Ryan Beston conducted both the classroom and hands-on instruction for the program's first session. He was impressed with the enthusiasm of the students and their genuine desire to learn. 'One of the guys in the class was actually the fire chief of his (community). He went up afterwards to a Sask Polytech staff member after we were done and said: 'When I came into this class I knew zero about drones or anything remote controlled. Now I'm 100 per cent sure I can do great with this',' Beston recalls. Gerry Youzwa, director of training solutions for Saskatchewan Polytech, says teaming up with FPDI to offer drone accreditation training was a natural fit for the institution since a big part of its mandate is to partner with industry to design custom training programs that address specific skills gaps in the labour market. 'Obviously our goal (with the program) was to provide Indigenous participants hands-on training in drone technology,' she says. 'Those types of skills are really in high demand and can help people manage emergency response plans and really map out the topical aerial view of different land masses that are being impacted.' A second session of the program is scheduled to run July 28 to 30 and will be open to 15 students. Future sessions will depend on demand from First Nations communities and FPDI may consider expanding it to include other provinces if there is enough interest. 'It's loads of fun and I hope more people join it,' Colgan says.
The Province
14 hours ago
- The Province
Aritzia launched its summer sale. Here are a few of the best buys among the discounted styles
Check out a few of the best buys we found among the Aritzia Summer Sale deals Here are five of our top picks from the Aritzia Summer Sale. Photo by Aritzia Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors As shoppers await more news about the 2025 Aritzia Warehouse Sale, the Vancouver company has launched its summer sale. The sale kicked off on June 26 and runs through Aug. 11. The markdowns see select styles from the locally-headquartered company marked down between 20 and 50 per cent off in stores and online. The 2024 Aritzia Warehouse Sale took place from Aug. 27 through Sept. 2. A similar run of dates on this year's calendar might see the sale land around Aug. 26 to Sept. 1. But the company has yet to announce or confirm the dates for this year's sale. Check back for updates. Aritzia isn't the only Canadian fashion brand having a summer sale. Vancouver company Plenty is offering up to 60 per cent off on some of its hottest seasonal styles. Montreal-headquartered RW&CO. has 30 per cent off regular-priced styles for a limited time. And, last but definitely not least, Lululemon's We Made Too Much section is currently full of colourful leggings, shorts, skirts, bags and more that are perfect for summer sweat sessions and more. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Check out a few of the best buys we found among the Aritzia Summer Sale deals. Golden Butter Cheeky Hi-Rise Legging — $78 $58.50 (select colours) The brand's Butter Leggings are a fan favourite for a reason. Super soft and stretchy, they're a go-to pant pick for many a local. While the staple hues aren't marked down, there are several colours that have been discounted. Wilfred Goddess Satin Dress — $118 $88.50 A perfect pick for someone whose summer calendar is full of weddings, parties or events, this Goddess Satin Dress is sure to be a reliable plus-one. We're big fans of the trend toward wearing one dress to all your seasonal affairs rather than buying multiple garments. And this simple — and simply stunning — cowl-necked number is primed to RSVP 'yes' to everything. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This one is a bit of a personal pick for me, as I already own (and love) it. A waistcoat-inspired vest is an MVP style this year, and I love the longer length of this Juris Vest. It's such an easy piece to throw on with trousers or wide-leg jeans, adding a tailored, polished look to an everyday or event look. Sunday Best Martine Poplin Skirt — $98 $73.50 The Martine Dress has been a viral sensation for the brand. While the ruched-bodice dress is super sweet, we love the versatility of the skirt iteration. The Martine Poplin Skirt is an It Girl style, proving to be a wardrobe workhorse that can pair with everything from a tank top and heels to a t-shirt and sandals. Wilfred Generation Blazer – Crepette — $248 $186 An Aritzia blazer is always a good idea … especially when it's on sale. Featuring a classic fit, the structure of this single-button blazer style is balanced by a soft crepe fabric that gives this timeless topper a beautiful drape. Read More
CTV News
15 hours ago
- CTV News
Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation relaunches historic campaign
Barrie Watch Frank Cerisano, CEO of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation sat down to discuss the relaunch of the historic campaign 'Because of You.'
