We all have a role to play in keeping kids safe.
Highland Shores Children’s Aid Society communications coordinator Bonnie Perrigard told Quinte West council Tuesday night, that is one of the many important messages that will be shared during the Child Abuse Prevention Month in October. Highland Shores serves Hastings, Northumberland and Prince Edward Counties.
C.A.S. finds children can suffer from many forms of abuse whether it’s physical, sexual, mental, or even neglect. Perrigard explained neglect can be caused by poverty and or drug and alcohol abuse in the home. In 2013, Highland Shores reported 18.4 percent of children under the age of six lived on or below the poverty line. She added in 2013, 97% of all C.A.S. investigations resulted in children staying in their home.
Perrigard encouraged everyone in the community to ‘Go Purple.’
There will be a series of fundraiser Go Purple hockey games coming up in Trenton, Picton, Wellington, Campbellford and Port Hope. On September 30 the Trenton Golden Hawks home game will be played in support. Game time is 7:30 p.m. at the Dunc McDonald Community Gardens.
On October 19, everyone is invited to wear purple to show support for child abuse prevention.
