Farm safety lessons can now be learned through a computer game.

Manitoba Farmers' With Disabilities will unveil its new "Safe Farms, Safe Families" computer game tonight at a launch celebration in Elm Creek.

"Children under the age of 10 still have a quite significant number of serious injuries and fatalities," says executive manager Jill Stafford. "We're hoping this will help reduce that from happening."

"We've had such a great response with our farm safety colouring book. Young children and families were saying they would like to have more resources," she explains. "So we went ahead with putting out this CD. The board was unanimous that putting out more information on child safety was certainly a priority."

The game was developed by Justin Morison, the same artist who designed the MFWD farm safety colouring book. In playing the game, children will explore a farm and learn about scenarios that could potentially be dangerous.

Stafford says, down the road, the game will likely serve as a resource for safety organizations outside of Manitoba. "We know that there already are some organizations that are waiting for us to launch. I'm certain we will be able to provide it to other provinces."

The launch celebration is taking place at the Elm Creek Community Hall. Doors will open at 4pm, with presentations at 5:15 and supper at 6. Stafford says computers will be set up for children to explore the new game. Each family in attendance will receive a free copy.

~ Saturday, November 13, 2010 ~