He’s no dummy! Retired mannequin finds new life in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara | Niagara on the Lake | Community |

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Published March 22, 2023 at 9:30 am

Oscar the Mannequin relaxes in a chair surrounded by Niagara-on-the-Lake staffers. The unretired mannequin will be seeing a lot of that defibrillator above his shoulder very soon. (Photo: Niagara-on-the-Lake)

It seems even mannequins can’t afford to retire these days.

Oscar the Mannequin has officially unretired as of yesterday (March 21) after he found a second life in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

After the Grimsby Auxiliary Marine Rescue Unit (GAMRU) South Shore Search & Rescue Team gave him his gold watch, Niagara-on-the-Lake offered him a new life, helping its residents learn safety techniques.

While he has a new location, Oscar’s old-new job description hasn’t changed.

“Mannequins like this can be used in different types of safety training and orientation sessions to benefit various groups,” stated Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa.

“On behalf of Town Council, thank you to GAMRU South Shore Search & Rescue Team for their generous donation to our community,” Zalepa said, referring to the Grimsby volunteer group that provides search and rescue support every summer on Lake Ontario.

Rather than give Oscar a few weeks off, he’s going right back to work in his new home as the town plans to use him at some free Health and Safety orientation sessions hosted at the Community Centre (14 Anderson Lane).

He’ll be the centre of attention during demonstrations where residents will learn how to operate an automated external defibrillator (AED) and learn basic emergency techniques.

The sessions will be hosted on March 25, from 10 a.m. to noon and again on March 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., both times in the Simpson Room. Just show up as registration is not required.

“Oscar is making his first appearance at the Community Centre’s Health and Safety orientation sessions, but I know it will not be his last appearance in Town,” said CAO Marnie Cluckie.

“This mannequin can be used for life-saving training so individuals can practice training in a safe, stress-free environment. From use in health and safety training to fire orientation for our volunteer firefighters, this mannequin will be an excellent resource to enhance the life-saving skills and knowledge of residents and Town Staff alike.”

 

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