For immediate release

Purple Ribbon Campaign Underway in Hamilton

HAMILTON, October 7, 2002

HAMILTON, October 7, 2002-October 2002 marks the 10th anniversary of the Purple Ribbon Campaign in Ontario.
During the month, representatives from The Children's Aid Society of Hamilton and the Catholic Children's Aid Society of Hamilton will be visiting various events and locations throughout the City to distribute purple ribbons and to the public and raise consciousness about the need to prevent child abuse and neglect.

"Public education and prevention are the best ways to end the neglect and abuse of children," says Dominic Verticchio, executive director of the Children's Aid Society of Hamilton. "This campaign can help bring an end to it by raising awareness of the need to protect children in our community. It also tells abused children and teens that we care about them and that we are here to help them."

"We often hear that it takes a community to raise a child," says Mark Ewer, executive director of the Catholic Children's Aid Society of Hamilton. "By supporting the Purple Ribbon Campaign, Hamiltonians can visibly show how they are supporting our most vulnerable kids. This is one small step in creating a caring world for children."

During the month, the societies hope to distribute some 11,000 ribbons at various events and presentations throughout the City of Hamilton.

Child abuse occurs in many different ways. Children may be abused physically, sexually, emotionally or through neglect. There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent child abuse and neglect. Suggestions include:

• Talk to your child about their body and what is private.
  
• Use a secret password with your family in case you need to send someone to get your child.
  
• Teach your child where the safe places are in your neighbourhood.
  
• Tell your child that if someone approaches them or touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable, they should follow three safety rules:

• Say "NO"
  
• Get Away,
  
• Tell Someone.
  

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For more information, contact:

Dianne Pearson
Manager of Communications & Development
The Children's Aid Society of Hamilton
905-522-1121 ext. 2110

OR

Kimberly Legeard
Director of Public Relations & Development
Catholic Children's Aid Society of Hamilton
905-525-2012 ext. 3333