FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE:
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and the Children’s Aid Society of the District of
Thunder Bay to Celebrate Achievements of Local Children and Youth
During Child Abuse Prevention Month
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Thunder Bay, ON, October 3 , 2016- Today, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and the Children’s Aid Society of the District
of Thunder Bay recognized Child Abuse Prevention Month 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
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October 12 , 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:
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Dilico Anishinabek Family Care: 1-855-623-8511 (Emergency service 24 hours a day)
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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.
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and The Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay
deliver a range of responsive individual, family and community programs to children, individuals
and families in northern Ontario. The agencies work collaboratively with families, youth, children
and communities so all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
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Media Contact:
Amanda Bay
Firedog Communications
T- (807) 767-4443 Ext #223/E- [email protected]