The winning videos will educate the nation about the importance of safe gun storage
America is facing a challenge as a society where most people are unable to differentiate between a weapon and a tool. Every day eight kids are unintentionally injured or killed by “family fire,” a shooting involving an improperly stored or misused gun found in the home. Understanding the increase of causalities, Brady and the Ad Council had launched the End Family Fire campaign, one year ago. Since its launch, the change has already begun shifting national attitudes and behaviors about keeping guns in the home.
Brady and the Ad Council has announced the winners of the first-ever End Family Fire Scholarship Competition. The winning videos, “You Told Me” and “Curiosity,” encourage gun owners to store firearms securely to help prevent these tragic incidents.
The grand prize winners and the publicity of videos
- High school student Amelia Montagnino from Bethesda, Maryland (“You Told Me”)
- College student Alexandra Franklin from Detroit, Michigan (“Curiosity”)
Winners were awarded $5,000 scholarship and the Ad Council is about to distribute their winning videos nationally across a variety of channels including broadcast television and social media. In addition, the winning high school submission will be screened at the 2019 All-American High School Film Festival takes place during October 11-13 in New York City.
America may have a short history of existence compared to others but the nation has carved into a world leader. However, circumstances turned into a nationwide misery when gun-keeping became a necessity, indicating high crime rates.
“No matter how well you might think you’ve hidden your firearms, 75 percent of kids know exactly where to find guns stored in their homes,” said Kris Brown, President of Brady. “Keeping guns safely locked and secured is the best way to prevent family fire and keep our children safe at home. Many high school and college students are passionate about preventing gun violence, and we’re thrilled to invite them to join in our effort to End Family Fire,” he added.
According to a June 2019 survey commissioned by the Ad Council and conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs:
- 4 in 10 gun-owning parents in America (44%) are aware of the campaign
- Those who are aware of the campaign are 2.5 times more likely to have sought information about safe gun storage in the past year (31% among those aware of the campaign versus 12% of those who are not)
