THUNDER BAY – Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and the Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay recognized Child Abuse Prevention Month today by unveiling the 2016 Step Up Campaign. To launch the annual campaign, the two organizations are asking communities across northwestern Ontario to celebrate local children’s achievements.
The Step Up Spotlight Contest will profile ten children and youth in the District of Thunder Bay who are stepping up in their schools, neighbourhoods and communities.
“Dilico and the Children’s Aid Society of Thunder Bay are asking parents, guardians, teachers, and friends to nominate children and youth in their communities. Whether it is being a good student, helping friends, showing respect, being kind, excelling as an athlete, volunteering, or contributing to the community—during the month of October we want to celebrate happy and healthy children in northwestern Ontario;” says Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, Director of Child Welfare, Carmela Hardy.
To nominate someone you know, simply visit www.dilico.com/stepup and fill out the nomination form. Entries are due by October 12th, with the winning recipients being announced the following week. Those selected will receive a special Step Up photoshoot, community prize and recognition and will be profiled in the Step Up Spotlight poster series.
“It is critical for each and every one of us to take the time to celebrate children’s accomplishments. Rewarding children for a job well done helps instill a strong work ethic in their early years and boosts confidence and self-esteem. By acknowledging success and achievements, whether big or small, children can accomplish so much when a community steps up to support them,” says Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay, Director of Family Services, Rose Bakke. “Strong, nurturing communities that are supportive of children and youth play a critical role in preventing child abuse and enhancing the overall well-being of families.”
October is Child Abuse Prevention Month across Ontario, and has been officially declared in the City of Thunder Bay. The Step Up campaign reminds the community that we are ALL responsible to protect children and we must step up. By stepping up, adults can help a child or give a family in crisis the help they need. Child abuse includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse and/or neglect. If you have concerns about a child, please call:
- Dilico Anishinabek Family Care: 1-855-623-8511 (Emergency service 24 hours a day)
- Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay: 1-800-465-3905 or (807) 343-6100
In support of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the District of Thunder Bay is also encouraged to participate in Go Purple for Prevention Day on October 19th. To participate, businesses, schools, families and individuals are encouraged to wear purple and host a Go Purple event. Purple is the signature colour of child abuse prevention.
For further information on the 2016 Step Up campaign and how you can participate, please visit the official Step Up Facebook page: facebook.com/StepUpThunderBay.
