The Sandbox Project aims to improve health outcomes for Canadian children
OTTAWA, June 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's leaders are playing in the sand to make a better life for the next generation.
In an effort to raise awareness about The Sandbox Project, several Canadian MPs, senators, media personalities and business leaders were building sand castles in the world's largest sandbox on Sparks Street in Ottawa on Wednesday.
"The Sandbox Project is focused on fostering collaboration and knowledge to ensure Canada becomes the healthiest place in the world in which to raise children," says Dr. Christine Hampson, CEO of The Sandbox Project. "This is the first generation of children in history that is expected to have a shorter lifespan than their parents. That is unacceptable, and it is incumbent on us to change that trend."
The founder of The Sandbox Project, Dr. Kellie Leitch, Member of Parliament for Simcoe - Grey, conducted a research project for the Government of Canada in 2007 that resulted in Reaching for the Top: A report by the Advisor on Healthy Children & Youth. The report was also central to the creation of the Children's Fitness Tax Credit that was implemented by the Harper Government in Budget 2007.
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq, Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney, Minister of State (Finance) Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Democratic Reform) Tim Uppal, Hamilton Mountain MP Chris Charlton and Cape Breton-Canso MP Rodger Cuzner joined Dr. Leitch in the sandbox for sandbox building competitions with Ottawa area elementary school children.
About The Sandbox Project:
The vision of The Sandbox Project is to make Canada the healthiest place on Earth for children and youth to grow up. It is focused on improving children and youth health outcomes with respect to injury prevention, obesity, mental health and the environment.
Andrew Galloro
613-698-5298
[email protected]
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