Thousands of primary school children across Cardiff and Penarth will be safer and more visible this autumn thanks to a major donation from a group of opticians.
Five Specsavers stores located in Cardiff and Penarth have come together to invest £15,000 to donate 7,500 high-visibility vests to every pupil aged four to seven across the communities they serve.
The initiative was launched in Victoria Primary School in Penarth, where pupils from reception, year one and year two were the first to receive their vests as part of the new Specsavers Sees Kids campaign. Over the coming weeks, teams from the opticians will visit every primary school to distribute the vests and share practical road safety advice.
Amy Naish, retail director of Specsavers Cardiff Queen Street, says: ‘As locally owned businesses, we want to give back to the communities we’re part of. Specsavers has long championed road safety, and we hope this initiative will help children across Cardiff and Penarth stay visible on their journeys to and from school.’
To celebrate the launch, schools are also being invited to take part in a road safety competition – to design your own hi-vis vest. Winners will receive book vouchers and classroom craft hampers.
‘We’re also really excited to see the creative side of pupils come through in the design competition,’ continues Amy Naish. ‘Children always have such brilliant imaginations, and we can’t wait to see their ideas for bright, bold vests that stand out and celebrate safety in a fun way.’
Samantha Davies, headteacher at Victoria Primary School, says: ‘Road safety is an important skill for our pupils to learn from a young age.
‘Specsavers’ vests will not only help keep children visible, but also start meaningful conversations with families about how to stay safe when out and about, especially with the darker evenings drawing in.
‘We’re thrilled to be the first school to receive the vests and know our children will wear them with pride.’
