Lamoureux Park goes purple Sept. 27

Lamoureux Park goes purple Sept. 27
Breaking Silence: The CAS Dinner of the Arts fundraiser takes place on Tuesday

By Adam Brazeau 
CORNWALL, Ontario – The Children’s Aid Society of SDG has partnered with the upcoming Kids’ Expo in Cornwall to help ‘break the silence’ for child abuse victims.

The local launch of the purple ribbon campaign, which recognizes October as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario, is expected to draw thousands of CAS supporters to Lamoureux Park on Saturday, September 27.

“This event is more about raising awareness than funds – it lets people know we’re out there and here to protect kids,” said organizer Kimly Thivierge, CAS public relations officer.

There will be over 20 vendors and exhibitors, as well as plenty of free family-friendly activities including inflatables for kids, face/nail painting, and colouring.

The launch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Over 2,000 attended last year, and Thivierge hopes for even more this time around since the Kids’ Expo is happening next door.

“We’re working together because it’s the perfect marriage between two events – it’s all about the kids,” she said.

Throughout the CAS launch, the first Cornwall Kids’ Expo kicks off in salons A, B, and C at the civic complex, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CAS will have a booth inside to let attendees know what they can expect outside in the park.

The expo has agreed to basically shut down during the launch’s popular pop a paper bag event at 1:30 p.m., to encourage everyone to participate.

A dress purple competition with a cash prize begins at 2:45 p.m.

And if you’re not sure what to wear for community dress purple day on October 17, just pick up a ‘Break the Silence – Use your Voice’ CAS slogan T-shirt while you’re in the park.

Already, CAS has 62 schools and over 120 area businesses ready to wear purple in support of the cause.

As an added bonus, Cornwall Transit is offering free rides from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to anyone wearing purple on Sept. 27.

The launch’s opening ceremony and ribbon cutting (11:30-11:50 a.m.) will feature speaking presentations from CAS staff, MPP Jim McDonnell, MP Guy Lauzon, and Mayor Bob Kilger.

The bandshell will be jumping with live entertainment from 11:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. including a DJ, Zumba for kids, and a BCDC dance show.

There will also be a draw for two tickets to see the Demi Levato world tour in Montreal on Oct. 19.

Vendors and exhibitors include St. Albert Cheese Co-op, Yves Houle Carnival, Brian’s Pro Photos, Home Depot, Mini Donuts, Weenie’s on Wheels, Mobile Gamerz, OPP, RCMP, CCPS,Tim Hortons, Mocktails, and many others.

For more information, visit www.cassdg.ca.

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