by NRA Blog Staff Note: This article was originally posted on NRA Blog
USA -(Ammoland.com)- NRA’s groundbreaking gun accident prevention course for children, the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program, has achieved another milestone reaching its 30 millionth child!
The program launched in 1988 with a mission to teach children four simple, easy to remember steps to follow so they know what to do if they ever come across a gun: Stop! Don’t touch. Run away. Tell a grown-up.
The program evolved over the years and in 2015 the NRA introduced a fresh, new Eddie along with some friends – the Wing Team. Since then, Eddie and his Wing Team have traveled the country with the same mission in mind to educate and keep children safe.
“Nothing is more important to all of us than the safety and well-being of our children, and that was the driving force behind the development of the Eddie Eagle program,” said NRA Community Outreach National Manager Eric Lipp. “Nearly 30 years later, its message is as powerful and impactful as it’s ever been. As we eclipse this incredible milestone of making a difference in the lives of 30 million children, we are encouraged, proud and determined to keep spreading this important life-saving education.”
With the help of volunteers, educators, and law enforcement officers, Eddie Eagle’s gun safety message has been shared across all 50 states!
Volunteers for the program come from diverse backgrounds, but they share a commitment to keeping children safe. Those involved include NRA members, teachers, law enforcement officers, and community activists who teach the program, as well as private donors and Friends of NRA volunteers who raise funds to help pay for the program’s educational materials.
More than 26,000 educators, law enforcement agencies, and civic organizations have taught the program since 1988. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, incidental firearm-related deaths among children in Eddie Eagle’s targeted age group have declined more than 80% since the program’s launch.
“Our children are our future, and it’s our responsibility to teach them how to stay safe. Since our founding, the NRA has been committed to firearm safety, responsibility and education, and those important concepts are the hallmarks of the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program,” said Lipp “Eddie’s incredible success is proof that proactive accident prevention education works, and the NRA will continue to work with community leaders to reach youths across our great nation.”
Schools, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, and others interested in more information about The Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program, or persons who wish to see if free materials are available in their communities, are encouraged to email the NRA Community Outreach Department at eddie@nrahq.org or visit eddieeagle.nra.org.