It’s an iconic symbol of safety, it lets children know they have a safe place to go and it’s at risk of becoming extinct in Lethbridge.

The classic red and white Block Parent sign of an adult holding a child’s hand, is seeing fewer and fewer windows as less and less people are becoming involved.

Bobbi Farrell, former president of Block Parent Lethbridge, said the program is currently looking for members.

“Our program is dying terribly, we don’t have that many homes and our board, I don’t even know if there is one at this point, said Farrell. “I resigned last week and no one has stepped up to take over.”

In the past, Block Parent Lethbridge has attended the children’s festival, various barbeques and has been featured in the newspaper and radio.

Despite the effort to promote the program, they still aren’t getting the numbers they need.

Right now, it’s estimated that approximately 75 homes are currently involved in the program.

Farrell said a possible reason for the regression of the program is within the course of signing up.

“People are getting lost in the application process and are simply, not following through, said Farrell.” “It needs new passion, new people and new ideas.”

Betty Vogelsang, a Lethbridge resident and former Block Parent, said the program is a valuable tool for the community.

“Even if it helps one kid and there’s people willing to do it, why not.”

According to the Block Parent website, the first program began in Ontario in 1968 and has since, rapidly expanded across Canada.

The 40-year-old program, relies on volunteers to offer their homes as a temporary refuge for a child, in case of an emergency, with the goal of making the community safer for children.

All volunteers are screened and the sign is placed in the window, only when someone over the age of 18 is available to answer the door.

Francine Chartrand, Director with the Block Parent Program of Canada Inc., has been with the program thirteen years and said the program has allowed her to meet people who share the same goal of child safety.

“Every time that a child seeks assistance by ringing my doorbell and that I am able to help is a precious moment for me.”

The goal of the program in Lethbridge, is to expand the network of Block Parents, until there are several homes on each block all displaying the iconic red and white symbol.

In addition to supporting child safety, Farrell said the program offers a feeling of connectedness.

“It’s important to build a sense of community, so people are talking to their neighbours, knowing their neighbours and having a safe place to go.”

Currently, Block Parent Lethbridge is looking for more volunteers to help promote a safer community and according to the website, it’s the only volunteer position you can do from your couch.

To get more information on how to get involved visit Block Parent Lethbridge on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/blockparentlethbridge/.