Posted on 24 November 2008
Ottawa, November 24, 2008 – Senators will once again welcome students from across the National Capital Region to the Senate Chamber for a celebration of children’s rights in honour of National Child Day. The event will take place on Monday, November 24, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.
True to the Senate’s role of addressing issues faced by people in our society whose rights and interests may often be overlooked, the celebration will showcase a variety of young performers who reflect the rich diversity of our country and exemplify this year’s theme: “Striving for Success.” One of the highlights will be a motivational speech and performance by New Brunswick singer Becka deHaan who has not let a visual impairment stop her from pursuing her dreams. More than 250 students from grades five and six will be in attendance.
The program includes opening remarks by the Speaker of the Senate, the Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, as well as comments by three Senators on the organizing team, the Honourable Jim Munson, the Honourable Terry Mercer and the Honourable Ethel Cochrane. In addition, the assembled youth will hear a presentation on the Beijing Olympics by two Canoe/Kayak Olympians. The keynote address will be given by Scott Russell from CBC Sports.
Senators Terry Mercer and Jim Munson have embraced National Child Day as a way of highlighting the importance of children’s rights and the potential that all children have within them. This year, the senators welcome Senator Ethel Cochrane to the event’s organization team. Together with a representative from Child and Youth Friendly Ottawa (CAYFO), the Senators will present a special honour to a deserving local youth – the “Awesome Kid” award.
Senator Munson has a keen interest in child advocacy and is involved with the Special Olympics and in advancing the understanding of the needs of autistic children. Senator Mercer is very active in fundraising initiatives that benefit many youth-oriented charitable organizations through the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Foundation for Philanthropy in Canada. Senator Cochrane is a vocal advocate of education and literacy issues and is a former teacher and principal.
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