THUNDER BAY -- Children’s achievements across Northwestern Ontario will be in the October spotlight.
Officials at Dilico Anishnabek Family Care and the Children’s Aid Society on Monday unveiled the 2016 Step Up Campaign, in which they’re asking children from throughout the region to celebrate how they’re giving back in their schools, neighbourhoods and communities.
A total of 10 youths from the Thunder Bay District will be profiled in the I Step Up campaign.
“The purpose is really to highlight the accomplishments of the youth and children in our community. It can be done through a parent or a teacher or a guardian or a coach, perhaps, who is identifying a youth in the community who is really stepping up in our community,” said Rose Bakke, director of family services at the Children’s Aid Society.
That could include showing respect, being kind, helping friends, excelling at sports, volunteering or contributing to the community in some other fashion.
“There are a number of different areas that the youth in our community can be honoured in that way,” Bakke said.
The contest is a new addition to the annual Step Up campaign, said Dilico’s director of family care Carmela Hardy, noting the two organizations have been partnering together to help put an end to child abuse,
On Oct. 19 they’re encouraging everyone in the community to wear purple in support of the cause and child abuse prevention month.
“Communities can become involved by taking photos and uploading these photos on Facebook. They can also upload the pictures on Twitter,” Hardy said.
“The community can also become involved by having events like bake sales, any kind of a fun activity that can raise money for both of our charities,” she said. More information on Go Purple for Prevention Day can be found at www.facebook.com/StepUpThunderBay.
Entries for the contest are due by Oct. 12. Nomination forms can be found at www.dilico.come/stepup. Winners will be announced the week following the entry deadline.
