Our Mission
Inspired by the legacy of 5-year-old Sidney Olson, we’re on a mission to make every Massachusetts community a place where kids feel free to walk, run, bike, and roll. We give a voice to the vulnerable in the fight for safer streets and vehicles - and open doors for kids to embrace healthy lifestyles early in life.
We are an officially registered 501(c)(3) charity
Raising Voices of the Vulnerable in 100+ Media Appearances
Traffic Violence Impacts Millions of Kids
The number one cause of death for children is preventable
Every year, more than 600 children under 12 are killed and more than 60,000 are injured in in crashes. Kids account for 15% of pedestrian fatalities. Countless numbers of their family and friends are forever impacted by the trauma.
Yet, all these are preventable, and solutions for safer roads and vehicles have been proven to work in many countries around the world.
Fear of traffic violence leads to lower levels of activity
Kids are 50% less likely to bike, run, or walk regularly if they live in a neighborhood with higher perceived traffic danger, according to a study published in Pediatrics. As a result, there are higher rates of obesity and lower levels of activity.
Having safe routes to school and places to bike, walk, and roll is a critical ingredient to healthy communities, but it’s far too rare.
Our Sidney
Before she was hit and killed in a crosswalk on her way to art class, Sidney was a bright-eyed five-year-old with springy curls and a giggly laugh. She famously asked for a rainbow birthday party because it “brings together all the favorite colors of my friends of family.”
Her perfect day was not measured in what she did, but who she did it with. Whether she was skiing in Vermont or curled up on the coach with her brother, she would declare “today is the best day ever.”
She produced art in waves. She belted out Taylor Swift songs on karaoke. And, she surprised us with her “hug attacks.” Her love and kindness are the fuel to our work, and we miss her wildly.
She lived life outside - and with people. That has become the inspiration for our work, providing light on the long journey to a safer, more active world.
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The Rainbow Scholarship Fund
Providing access to curious and creative education at Shed Children's Campus
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Safe Roads. Safe Vehicles.
Creating safer communities for everyone to walk, bike, ride, and roll.
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Sidney's Rainbow Runner's
Build resilience and confidence in school aged children by inspiring their love for running