GM and Safe Kids Extend Partnership, GM Commits $11.4 Million to Programs

SACRAMENTO, CA - General Motors announced last week that it is committing $11.4 million over the next three years to continue and expand its child safety programs with Safe Kids Worldwide.

The three-year agreement, which calls for nearly $3.5 million each year, brings the amount that GM has contributed to Safe Kids to more than $50 million since the partnership began a decade ago. In addition, GM is donating 18 full-size Chevrolet Express vans over the next three years, which will increase the fleet of mobile check-up vans to 137 nationwide.

"It's wonderful to see such a great partnership to help keep our children safe," said Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa), who is working with Safe Kids on legislation to expand child passenger safety protections in California. "It's good corporate citizenship."

"Due to the support from GM and Safe Kids Worldwide, the 18 Safe Kids coalitions and chapters in California have been able to keep California's children safer while riding in a car," said Sonja Atkins, coordinator for Safe Kids Greater Sacramento. "Monies from the partnership of GM and Safe Kids Worldwide have supported many permanent sitting stations and inspection sites in California, two of which are here in Sacramento."

Over the past 10 years, Safe Kids coalitions around the United States have conducted more than 760,000 child safety seat inspections and donated more than 350,000 child and booster seats to families in need. More than 13 million people have been exposed to Safe Kids Buckle Up events and community outreach efforts.

"GM has been the leader in child passenger safety and an active participant in the community," said Martin Eichelberger, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. "Without the resources of GM, many children would not have traveled safely. We are extremely grateful for what GM has done and continues to do for kids."

"The 10-year partnership between GM and the Safe Kids Buckle Up program is a testament to their sustained commitment to children and improving child passenger safety," said NHTSA Administrator Nicole Nason. "GM should be very proud of what is being accomplished through this effort."

The work of the Safe Kids Buckle Up program has evolved over the years. What began as an effort focused on proper installation of infant and child seats has grown to include booster seats and proper fitting of safety belts on children large enough to wear them.

"Through this new three-year commitment, we are also funding a pilot program to expand the number of Safe Kids Buckle Up permanent car seat inspection stations with a focus on communities that need them most," said Roderick Gillum, GM vice president of Corporate Responsibility and Diversity.

Safe Kids Buckle Up, in conjunction with Chevrolet and GM, also promotes child safety in and around vehicles through the Never Leave Your Child Alone heatstroke education campaign.

"For 10 years, GM has been a model of corporate leadership by supporting Safe Kids. It is great to see such a successful, long-term partnership dedicated to saving children's lives," said Mark Rosenker, acting chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board. "The Safety Board is proud to be a part of these efforts and we're especially proud of our continued relationship to improve safety and save lives."

About Safe Kids Worldwide

Safe Kids Worldwide is a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, a leading killer of children 14 and under. More than 450 coalitions in 16 countries bring together health and safety experts, educators, corporations, foundations, governments and volunteers to educate and protect families.