Children are invited to celebrate their right to be safe at the Okotoks Public Library this weekend.
Andrea Siqueira is hosting a family-oriented afternoon geared toward children’s safety on Nov. 18, along with some community partners.
National Child Day is Nov. 20. It commemorates the signing of the United Nations’ Declaration of the Rights of the Child on Nov. 20, 1959 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on Nov. 20, 1989. The day has been celebrated in Canada since 1993. Canada ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, making a commitment to ensure children are treated with dignity and respect, given a voice and protected.
The theme for the 2017 celebrations is “Right to be Safe.” The event will include Kindermusik sessions, children’s yoga, crafts and snacks, as well as information sessions for parents on car seat safety and CPR for children.
“We’re going to do those parent sessions in between Kindermusik and yoga,” said Siqueira. “I wanted other people to be involved to spread the word and raise more awareness of National Child Day and its importance.”
The CPR sessions will be led by Angie Jackson, who will go over choking, asthma attacks, anaphylaxis, and minor first aid as part of her demonstration.
Hazel Gray will do a Belt & Buckles Car Seat Safety demonstration to educate parents and caregivers on how to properly install car seats and the proper use of seatbelts.
Keara Henning will lead children’s yoga sessions, and day-home owner Helen Walker will help children create crafts.
“Last year it was just Kindermusik, but I wanted to bring in other people and activities,” said Siqueira. “I’ve seen the kind of work I can do with children and I wanted to make it so other people could be involved, and I wanted Okotoks to be more involved in celebrating National Child Day.”
In 2018, she hopes to hold the event at the Crescent Point Regional Field House for a full day with extra activities.
It’s about getting more people out and involved in celebrating children, she said. With more people coming on board this year, she said she’s confident the event can continue to grow.
“I’m so glad I discovered this two years ago,” said Siqueira. “I just thought I needed to do something about it, because I deal with children through my Kindermusik program and it was nice to recognize this important treaty.”
The event will run from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is a minimum $10 donation per family, with proceeds going to It Takes a Village.
