Celebrating 25 Years

Supporting Children and Youth in our Community

OTTAWA, Jan. 23, 2013 /CNW/ - Since 1988, the Children's Aid Foundation of Ottawa (CAFO) has been providing enrichment and educational opportunities to children and youth in the care of the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa (CASO).

For the last 25 years, CAFO has been dedicated in the work they do; over 6,400 children, youth and families have received support, in various ways. CAFO has distributed over $1.5M in bursary funds to over 570 youth. This opportunity not only provides the financial means to attend post-secondary education, but encourages youth to remain resilient and subsequently achieve their full potential.

Every child should have the opportunity to enjoy experiences that are educational, inspiring and plain old fun. CAFO has made many of these experiences available; over 3,400 children have been able to attend camp, 550 participated in a sport or recreational activity and 170 children were given the opportunity to join an organization such as Girl Guides or Boy Scouts. These opportunities not only allow children to build confidence and develop new skills, but provide experiences many take for granted, such as stepping outside of their neighborhood.

The Foundation touches so many lives and none of it would be possible without the support of the community. Time and time again, organizations, businesses, schools and individuals give their time, money and commitment to children, youth and families. Every contribution makes a difference - a difference in the life of a child.

To celebrate the Foundations' silver anniversary, a breakfast was held Wednesday, January 23rd honoring the significant milestone. During the event, Mayor Jim Watson proclaimed this day as Children's Aid Foundation of Ottawa Day. Special guest Laura, a two-time bursary recipient spoke of her childhood experience and the difference the Foundation has made in her life.

Join the Foundation in their celebration; take a moment to view the 25^th anniversary video. Or, listen to our youth speak of their childhood experience and learn more about the different ways in which the Children's Aid Society and the Children's Aid Foundation can touch a life.

Video with caption: "Video: 25th anniversary breakfast video". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20130123_C8201_VIDEO_EN_22919.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20130123_C8201_PHOTO_EN_22919.jpg&clientName=Children%27s%20Aid%20Society%20of%20Ottawa&caption=Video%3A%2025th%20anniversary%20breakfast%20video&title=Foundation%20Celebrates%2025%20years&headline=Celebrating%2025%20Years

Video with caption: "Video: Youth video". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20130123_C8201_VIDEO_EN_22920.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20130123_C8201_PHOTO_EN_22920.jpg&clientName=Children%27s%20Aid%20Society%20of%20Ottawa&caption=Video%3A%20Youth%20video&title=Youth%20in%20Care%20Speak%20Up&headline=Celebrating%2025%20Years

Image with caption: "Mayor Jim Watson's Proclamation (CNW Group/Children's Aid Society of Ottawa)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130123_C8201_PHOTO_EN_22921.jpg

SOURCE: Children's Aid Society of Ottawa

Cindy R. Perron
Communications
The Children's Aid Society of Ottawa
[phone] ext. 2227
www.casott.on.ca