EnCana helps local moms become first aid certified

Times Reporter

 

Practicing mouth to mouth on a dummy and wrapping each other up in bandages is the way one group of moms spent their Friday evening and Saturday. MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers, were given a donation of $2,000 by EnCana to be able to certify their members in first aid training and CPR. 

“A whole bunch of moms were able to take the course that probably wouldn’t of had the time or finances to do so,” said Jennifer Neufeld, coordinator for MOPS.  

The training session, which normally takes 16 hours, took place at the Alliance Church on Jan. 7and 8. It was the Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR course, taught through Safe Blu located here in Strathmore. 

The funding came from a grant MOPS had applied for. It was a general grant for their capital campaign. 

“They actually funded us for two projects. The first one was the first aid project and they gave us $2,000 for that, then they also gave us $500 for our Mom Care program,” said Neufeld. 

The Mom Care program provides care packages or meals to new moms in the community, not necessarily MOPS moms, who may need a little care. There are 25 to 35 moms in MOPS, said Neufeld, but not all of them are full time members. Every mom who felt she needed the course and was able to attend signed up. 

“It was excellent and just any chance to get more people out in the community that are able to do first aid if the need arises then that’s great,” said Neufeld.

“As moms, we’re always faced with a kid choking on something, that’s probably the most common thing next (to) bumps and bruises and scratches.”