THUNDER BAY – COVID-19 can’t stop Dilico Anishinabek Family Care from launching the 11th annual Step Up campaign during Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The organization says the pandemic has made life difficult for families and children in particular, with financial stress, disrupted routines, mental health challenges and a growing lack of community supports all jeopardizing the health and happiness of youngsters in Northwestern Ontario.
The campaign has been put in place to remind the public of the importance of being responsible for the health, happiness and well-being of children and youth.
“Every day we have the opportunity to help create the kind of community we want to live in,” says Darcia Borg, executive director, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care.
“Now more than ever, it’s everyone’s responsibility to help protect our children. Pay special attention to the children and youth in our community as we continue to be apart and spend more time at home. There are many ways you can raise awareness and create positive change this October.”
The most prominent way to get involved is through the Step Up and Draw Window Art contest, which encourages parents and children to work together to create a poster for their front window to raise awareness about child abuse prevention and the Step Up campaign.
The contest can be entered in two ways, either by visiting the contest website at www.dilico.com/stepup or through social media on Facebook and Instagram, using the hashtag #StepUp2020 and #contest, tagging the official step up pages.
The winning artist’s work will be displayed on a billboard in Thunder Bay.
Another way to take part is to wear purple, the signature colour of child abuse prevention, on Oct. 22 for Go Purple for Prevention Day.
Step Up masks will also be available in support of the Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation.
“Dilico Anishinabek Family Care is relying on neighbours, friends and family to support our children and youth. Step Up and show your commitment to child abuse prevention this October. Supporting children and their wellbeing is at the heart of the future. Ensure that they are safe, happy and have opportunities to thrive;” says John Dixon, integrated services director at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care.
Child abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect.
