About SOS 4 Kids
We create innovative, quality safety education that children and youth find engaging. Our goal is to empower youth with confidence and equip them with life skills to prepare them to look after themselves and other children, in a safe and responsible manner.
Safety First
Every course is built on proven safety principles. We teach kids how to prevent accidents, recognize danger, and respond with confidence.
25+ Years Experience
Our instructors bring decades of first aid, aquatics, and safety training experience. They have taught thousands of children across Canada.
Built for Kids
Our programs are designed specifically for how children learn best: hands-on activities, real scenarios, and age-appropriate language.
How We Started
Sue Perry and Velma Ganassini co-founded SOS 4 Kids after hearing the same request over and over from parents in their first aid and safety courses: “Can you teach this to our kids?”
As parents, first aid instructors, and aquatics instructors themselves, both women felt it was their mission to educate families about injury prevention, best practices for safety, and first aid. They developed the Home Alone Safety for Kids program to meet the needs of children who were starting to become independent.
What started in Oakville has grown across Ontario, into other provinces, and even into the United States, thanks to a network of dedicated Program Delivery Partners. In 2018, Sue and Velma launched the popular Home Alone program online, making these important life skills accessible to children everywhere.
SOS 4 Kids continues to offer first aid training to the workplace and general public through its sister company SOS First Aid and Safety Training.
Meet the Passionate Team at SOS 4 Kids
Velma Ganassini
Co-FounderVelma has been teaching first aid, swimming and safety to adults and children since 2004. She is a First Aid Instructor Trainer with the Canadian Red Cross and founder of the multi award winning SOS First Aid and Safety Training. Velma is also a proud volunteer of the Canadian Red Cross and Oakville’s scouting organization.
Sue Perry
Co-FounderSue is a first aid instructor and former lifeguard and swim instructor. She brings over 20 years of facilitation and program development experience along with many years volunteering as a Sunday school teacher, soccer coach and hockey trainer.
Ally Turner-Sommer
InstructorAlly is a first aid and children’s safety instructor who loves working with children. A veteran foster parent with a background in social work, Ally is dedicated to social justice initiatives that create an even playing field for all members of the community.
Allison Steele
InstructorAllison has been working in the field of first aid for many years. She is currently a children’s safety and first aid instructor though formerly she was a Red Cross First Aid Coordinator for the Halton Branches. Allison regularly entertains students with her personal real life first aid experiences gathered while on her world travels via tall ships and motorcycles.
Julie Chiesa
InstructorWith more than 25 years of experience teaching first aid, swimming and scuba diving, Julie brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to SOS 4 Kids. She was a member of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, an Emergency Medical Care Assistant and is a passionate volunteer of more than 25 years with the Canadian Red Cross.
Sue Mitchell
InstructorSue spends her free time volunteering as a postpartum doula, helping with the Special Olympics and being a mom to two adolescent boys. She brings many years of parenting experience, compassion and understanding to the classroom when she teaches the Home Alone Safety for Kids program.
Ready to give your child life-saving skills?
Browse our courses and find the right program for your family.
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