Canadian Centre for Child Protection partners with Old Navy to host in-store 'Safety Squad' events across canada September 13th to 16th

WINNIPEG, Sept. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - In time for back to school and extra-curricular activities, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection is partnering with Old Navy in an effort  to provide kids and parents with useful tips, tools and expert advice. The unique Safety Squad program will be hosted in each of Old Navy's 65 stores September 13th through the 16th and offer families safety resources, chances to connect with local police and firefighters, and more, while raising funds for the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. 

"At this time of year, as children are getting back to school and participating in all sorts of extracurricular activities, parents can feel overwhelmed trying to keep their kids safe both in the offline and online worlds," said Lianna McDonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. "To help, we are proud to partner with Old Navy to bring free safety resources to Canadian families, and we encourage all parents to make a trip to their local store to pick up one of the free safety kits."

Free Safety Kits and More
During the four-day event, stores will feature a safety station with fun activities that include a photo opportunity, colouring sheets, stickers and a free safety kit for parents.  The kit includes several Canadian Centre materials, including a The Door that's not Locked Internet safety brochure, a Zoe and Molly Online comic book to help parents teach children about the importance of not sharing personal information online, as well as information on the Canadian Centre's national missing children resource centre, MissingKids.ca. Old Navy customers who make a donation of $5 or more to the Canadian Centre will also receive 10% off their Old Navy purchase.

"Families and communities are at the heart of the Old Navy brand," said Victoria Kirk, Sr. PR Manager Old Navy. "We are proud of the Safety Squad program because it serves our core customers in a unique way that's relevant and useful to their daily lives while allowing them to connect with their communities and donate to an important cause." 

Safety Fairs- Saturday, Sept. 15
On Saturday Sept. 15, Old Navy stores will each host a Safety Fair. Attendees can meet their local police, fire, EMT and other emergency personnel who will offer additional safety tips and materials. While most Fairs will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., some event times and activities will vary by store. For locations and contact details visit www.oldnavy.ca. 

About the Canadian Centre for Child Protection: The goal of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (www.protectchildren.ca) is to reduce child victimization by providing programs and services to the Canadian public.  Its four national programs include Cybertip.ca (www.cybertip.ca), Canada's tipline to report the online sexual exploitation of children; MissingKids.ca (www.missingkids.ca), a national missing children resource and response centre; Kids in the Know (www.kidsintheknow.ca), an interactive child personal safety program for children in Kindergarten to Grade Nine; and Commit to Kids (www.commit2kids.ca), a program to help child-serving organizations create safer environments for the children in their care and reduce their risk of sexual abuse. 

About Old Navy: Old Navy originated in 1994 and quickly became one of the world's most successful brands, offering customers great product at great prices. Today, the brand continues to offer on-trend apparel and irresistible basics for adults and children at a surprising value. And, best of all, Old Navy brings it all to customers in a fun, energizing shopping environment. To learn more, visit oldnavy.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE: Canadian Centre for Child Protection

Carolyn Shimmin, Communications Coordinator, Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Office: [phone]   Cell: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

Victoria Kirk
Old Navy Public Relations
Office: 416.355.2321
Email: [email protected]