Saputo and Westyn Mandrell Foundation Join Forces to Protect Children from Choking Hazards
Saputo has announced a generous donation to the Westyn Mandrell Foundation to help prevent childhood choking fatalities with a device called LifeVac. Saputo’s contribution has made it possible to purchase 21 units of anti-choking devices for all surrounding Hopkins County schools, including Sulphur Bluff, Saltillo, Cumby, and Miller Grove.
With the motto “Keeping our children safe one school at a time,” the Westyn Mandrell Foundation aims to equip schools and daycares with LifeVac devices and provide essential training to staff members and therefore save lives.
The community recently witnessed the impact of these life-saving devices at Emory-Rains School, where a student’s life was saved thanks to one of the donated LifeVac instruments. The child had choked on a quarter, and the timely intervention made possible by the LifeVac device prevented a tragic outcome.
The Westyn Mandrell Foundation was established by a family in honor of their late son, Westyn Brian Mandrell. In 2022, the family was devastated by the loss of their 18-month-old son, who tragically choked on a piece of fruit. Determined to turn their personal tragedy into a catalyst for change, the family launched the foundation to raise awareness about the dangers of choking and educate parents, first responders, and school districts about the life-saving potential of devices like LifeVac.
The partnership between Saputo and the Westyn Mandrell Foundation exemplifies the power of collective action in safeguarding children’s lives.
To obtain a LifeVac device, interested individuals can visit lifevac.net and use the promo code WMF10 for a 10% discount. Once the device is received, individuals can notify the Westyn Mandrell Foundation, which will then arrange for a presentation at their respective school or daycare. During the presentation, the foundation’s representatives will educate the staff on the proper usage of the LifeVac device.
By Taylor Nye. Photos by Chloe Kopal
