World Vision sets up Syrian refugee camp "Child-friendly Space" at Church & King

TORONTO, June 25, 2013 /CNW/ -

WHEN: 10 a.m., Wednesday June 26, 2013 (#OneDayForSyria)
WHERE:			St. James Cathedral, West Lawn 65 Church Street (northeast corner of Church & King) Toronto, M5C 2E9
WHO:			Dave Toycen, president, World Vision Canada, has just returned from Jordan and Lebanon where he visited refugee camps and met with Syrian families, Canadian government officials and various non-governmental organizations involved in the humanitarian response. He will provide an update and will be available for one-on-one interviews with media.
VISUALS:			Canadian children participating in activities under a tented Child-friendly Space that is a replica of the Child-friendly Spaces that are supporting Syrian refugee children who have escaped conflict. The activities will include the following stations: Learning about personal hygiene and sanitation, such as hand-washing Planning an escape route in case of an emergency (craft activity) Making crafts using recycling materials typically found in a refugee camp (water bottles, egg cartons, toilet paper rolls) Decorating and flying kitesWatching a puppet show about what to do if they are bullied or threatened Eating healthy snacks (pita bread, apples, juice)

A Child-friendly Space is a safe place within a disaster-affected community for children to play and get support to deal with their grief and loss. It helps children return to a normal routine by offering structured activities, games and informal education. To see a video of Syrian refugees in a Child-Friendly Space in Lebanon, click here.

To download photos of Syrian refugee children, click here.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca

SOURCE: World Vision Canada

For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact:
Britt Hamilton, 416-419-1321 or [email protected]
Tiffany Baggetta, 416-305-9612 or [email protected]