Here at “Bearing Arms” we generally value seeing good people doing good things in the Second Amendment community. The multitude of groups, organizations, and individuals doing yeoman’s work when it comes to activism and advocacy truly safeguard our fundamental rights. One group that’s been a friend to both the Second Amendment and BA for years is the Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation. Last month the Foundation had some monumental news and celebrated having trained over 30,000 youths on firearm safety and use.
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Derek LeBlanc founded Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation in 2016 and has done some tremendous things. We’ve had the privilege to document some of the high notes over the years. From teaching a blind child how to safely shoot and use a firearm to bringing his message and team to California, LeBlanc has really had a positive effect on shooting sports.
The Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation’s release notes that they’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Oregon. They shared their latest “milestone” noting they’ve taught “lifesaving skills to over 30,000 children across nine states.” The organization is dedicated to preventing firearm-related accidents through training and education.
The Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation provides comprehensive, age-appropriate firearm safety education with an apolitical approach. The foundation’s programs focus on teaching children what to do if they encounter an unsecured firearm, emphasizing the importance of not touching the firearm and getting an adult.
Operating in nine states, the foundation partners with schools, community organizations, and local law enforcement to deliver these vital lessons to as many children as possible. The curriculum goes beyond firearm safety to instill situational awareness, critical thinking, and other life-saving skills.
This achievement is a testament to the foundation’s unwavering commitment to reducing accidental firearm injuries among children. Yet, with millions of children still lacking access to safety education, there is much work to be done.
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All of the hard work that LeBlanc does with Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation can’t be done without the necessary funds and support from private donors and industry sponsors. Some of the Foundation’s biggest supporters include big names in the industry.
Vaultek has supported the Foundation for several years. Earlier this year they pledged their support again to LeBlanc’s cause after a generous 2023 donation. “To receive support from a national leader in the secure storage industry is huge for KSF,” the foundation said in a statement. “They have invested in the future of our country by helping a kids firearm safety organization that is diligently working to protect our country’s most valuable resource, our children.”
HUXWRX Safety Co. partnered with the Foundation in 2022. When LeBlanc was seeking to upgrade aging equipment for his teen program, HUXWRX stepped up to help out in a meaningful way.
“The HUXWRX donation of their innovative and quality suppressors will help tremendously with the safety of the students, by helping to protect their hearing,” said a statement that was released about the donation. “This investment in the Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation will help give our organization the tools needed to continue to grow and reach more families.”
One of the biggest supporters of the Foundation has been Aero Precision. Aero has supported Kids S.A.F.E. dating back for many years prior to 2020. Each year the company has continued to see the value in LeBlanc’s work. We’ve been tracking Aero’s support of the Foundation chronicling specific commitments in; 2022, 2023, and 2024.
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“Aero Precision is proud to support an organization directly focused on firearms safety and education for our youth,” Brian Deal, the VP of Marketing at Aero said in a 2023 statement. “The Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation has made a tremendous and positive impact on thousands of children’s lives.” Deal stated further, “and we are happy to continue supporting their mission.”
There have been far too many individuals and partners to list all who have helped LeBlanc work towards fulfilling his mission at the Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation. All of them should be proud of the work that’s been done and we need to celebrate each and every one of those 30,000 kids that has received lifesaving skills.
“We’re thrilled to have reached over 30,000 kids in nine states, but our mission is far from over,” said Derek LeBlanc, founder and president of the Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation. “Every child deserves access to safety education, regardless of their family’s views on firearms. Our goal is to empower children to make safe decisions that will save lives.”
We’re proud of you, Derek! Keep up the good work and we’ll be catching up with you soon!
To support its mission, the Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation relies on generous donations and community partnerships. Contributions help expand the program’s reach, ensuring more children and families benefit from this life-saving education.
For more information about the Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation, to donate, or to get involved, visit www.kidssafefoundation.org.
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