Jennifer Bishop, Highland Shores Children’s Aid Society Resource Worker (L) and Bonnie Perrigard, Highland Shores Children’s Aid Society Communications Coordinator (R) encourage the community to wear purple during the month of October and speak out against child abuse. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
As the saying goes, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and that is the message behind this year’s annual purple ribbon campaign aimed at ending abuse against children.
October is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Highland Shores Children’s Aid Society wants you to know that your call to them could be the most important in a child’s life.
On Monday night, Children’s Aid Society representatives Bonnie Perrigard and Jennifer Bishop addressed Quinte West council on child abuse prevention.
Perrigard stated community partners and those who work with children all have a part to play in supporting children and families by speaking out against physical, sexual or emotional abuse.
C.A.S. finds children can suffer from many forms of abuse whether it’s physical, sexual, mental, or even neglect. Forms of neglect can include poverty and or drug and alcohol abuse in the home. In 2013, Highland Shores reported 18.4% of children under the age of six lived on or below the poverty line. Within Highland Shores, 97% of all C.A.S. investigations resulted in children staying in their home.
Perrigard explained recognizing neglect can often be difficult.
‘Go Purple’ events get underway on September 16 with the Ken Sykes 8th annual “Kommunity Ties” Run/Walk at the Highland Shores Children’s Aid at 363 Dundas Street West in Belleville at 10 a.m.
The 5th annual Kanter for Kids is happening at the Batawa Ski Hill on October 15. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Participants are invited to bring their horses and dress up in purple. Register you and your horse before September 15 to receive a riders gift.
The annual ‘Dress Purple Day’ is October 24. The community is invited to wear purple to support child abuse prevention. T-shirts, pins and bracelets can be purchased form The Children’s Foundation by calling (613) 962-9292 or visiting thechildrensfoundation.ca
‘Go Purple’ hockey game dates are yet to be announced in Quinte West, Picton, Wellington, Cobourg and Port Hope.
For full details on ‘Go Purple’ events and The Children’s Foundation visit http://thechildrensfoundation.ca/
