Children's Aid Societies Call on Torontonians:

- Show You Care About Child Abuse Prevention -

TORONTO, Sept. 29 /CNW/ - Starting tomorrow, two hundred plush stuffed teddy bears, cats and puppies will be located in public areas, office buildings and police stations throughout downtown Toronto and across the city, challenging Torontonians to take notice and show how much they care about child abuse prevention by texting the word CARE to 82442, or calling 416-960-2327, to have a toy donated to a child in need.

"This campaign acts a visible reminder that we all have a moral and legal responsibility to ensure the safety of children by reporting suspected and known signs of abuse to your local Children's Aid Society," said Mary A. McConville, Executive Director, Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto.

The Show You Care, Toronto campaign, launched by Toronto's four Children's Aid Societies, marks the start of Child Abuse Prevention Month in October. The campaign aims to raise public awareness about how to report child abuse to local Children's Aid Societies. The campaign will run from September 30^th to October 7^th.

"Too many cases of abuse or neglect still go unreported each year. Experience tells us that neighbours, families and friends are often in a position to take action long before children come to the attention of a child welfare professional," said David Rivard, Chief Executive Officer, Children's Aid Society of Toronto.

Over the past year, the Children's Aid Society of Toronto, Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto, Jewish Family and Child Services, and Native Child and Family Service of Toronto have investigated more than 10,000 cases of suspected child abuse or neglect, and provided care for more than 40,000 children.

For further information:

Rob Thompson, Children's Aid Society of Toronto:416-924-4640 
[email protected]
Anne Rappé, Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto: 416-395-1506
[email protected]
Jo Michaels, Jewish Family and Child Services: 416-638-7800
[email protected]