October 9, 2008 – Today, the Thunder Bay Children’s Charter Coalition released its fourth annual report called, “Earth: because everybody needs a home”. The report is a call to action for our community to start or continue actions that will make our Earth a safer place for children, and for everyone.
The report is based on the Thunder Bay Children’s Charter right that our children deserve a safe and comfortable place to live. It highlights why children are more at risk from indoor and outdoor contaminants, what types of contaminants are found in the environment and what we can do to reduce these risks to children. Also included is information on services within the City that support safer environments for children.
“Every small change makes a difference”, says Laura Prodanyk, Co-chair of the Thunder Bay Children’s Charter Coalition. “For example, using glass containers instead of plastic when heating in the microwave and reducing the use of home deodorizers and air fresheners will reduce the amount of chemicals that children are exposed to.”
Also at today’s event, a presentation was made to 10-year old Thomas Klaric by City Councilor Joe Virdiramo, the City of Thunder Bay’s Child Advocate. Thomas was the winner of the Children’s Environmental Health Art Contest whose submission is featured on the front cover of the report.
A condensed version of this report will be included in the next issue of “Your City” that will be distributed to every household this weekend. A full version of the report is available online at www.tbdhu.com and at www.thunderbay.ca.
The Thunder Bay Children’s Charter Coalition is made up of people and organizations that care about children and want to put their needs first. Members include the City of Thunder Bay, the NorWest Community Health Centres, Our Kids Count, Dilico Anishnawbek Family Care, Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre, Fair Start, Children’s Centre Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Public Library, Lakehead Elementary Teachers of Ontario, Communities Together for Children, the Ontario Early Years Centre and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. New members are welcome.
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