Celebrating National Child Day

Welcome to the November edition of the Child Find Alberta e-newsletter. This month marks an important milestone in the rights of children. 20 years ago, on November 20, 1989 The United Nations signed into existence the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This marks the day on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. The Convention spells out the basic human rights to which all children throughout the world under the age of 18 are entitled. In 1993, the Government of Canada enacted legislation to designate November 20th of each year as a National Day of the Child in order to promote awareness of the Convention in Canada. The government of Canada has worked tirelessly to promote & focus on specific rights such as:

The Right to Protection from Sexual Exploitation - 2008
The Right to be Active - 2007
The Right to be Heard - 2006

For over 25 years Child Find Alberta has been working every day to ensure that every child in the province of Alberta has a very basic human right - the right to be safe. Much like the Convention on the Rights of the Child, CFA believes that every child should develop his or her unique personality in an environment that is free from persecution, and should grow in an environment of dignity, tolerance and freedom, and in an atmosphere of happiness, complete with love and understanding. Those who prey on children take this away from them. They take the innocence of their youth, and the security of their future. Through our programs and services, we strive to educate children and those that work to protect them on how to avoid and prevent the theft of their futures. In 1989 the world recognized formally that it takes a global village to raise a child, and we continue to work today to ensure that the upbringing of the children of the province of Alberta remains safe, free from harm.

It's hard to believe but as the days have become shorter, and the nights have become longer another year is about to close. We take pause to reflect on our accomplishments from the previous year, and plan for the upcoming year. The holiday season is right around the corner, and with it comes the increased possibility for the potential for harm to our children. Please keep checking back to our website, and watch for our December 2009 e-newsletter for helpful tips, and alerts to keep your children safe this holiday season.

This holiday season as you are preparing to send your Christmas cards to loved ones, please consider purchasing your cards from Child Find Alberta. Your purchase not only financially supports our ongoing work, but highlights the great talent of children throughout the country. Contact our offices to purchase your cards today.

Enjoy the month of November, the quiet calm before the holiday season which will roar down upon us, much like a strong winter storm from the North that eventually will bring a jolly man in a red suit, and take the time to Celebrate National Child Day.

Warmest Regards,