Enforcement Officers with the Ministry of the Attorney General to receive the 13th Annual Stand Up for Kids Award

Annual Awards presented by Toronto's 4 Children's Aid Societies recognize those who take action against child abuse and neglect

TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Dora Charalambous and Lyndon Chandler, Enforcement Officers with the Ministry of the Attorney General, whose actions helped a young child needing critical support will both be recognized for their contributions in protecting children from abuse and neglect at a ceremony that concludes Child Abuse Prevention Month.

As Enforcement Officers, Dora and Lyndon's work brought them into contact with a young child in an apartment where a family was being evicted.  The young child was unsafe, hungry with no clean clothes, and was not attending school regularly.  Dora and Lyndon chose to get involved immediately by offering support to the child and his mother who was living with untreated mental health issues.  Supported by colleagues, friends and families they collected material and financial donations, as well as arranging for a children's aid society representative to conduct an information session for their colleagues about how to spot the signs of child abuse and neglect.

"It is our responsibility as a community, to raise each and every child with love, compassion and understanding.  We are too afraid of getting involved and helping one another because we're not sure of the outcome. That's not right. You will never see this world change if you yourself don't make a difference in someone else's life," said Dora Charalambous, Enforcement Officer."

"Ms Charlambous and Mr. Chandler are true community heroes.  They chose to get personally involved in the life of a young child and their passion was able to motivate an entire community to show support and love for this child and his family, "said David Rivard, Chief Executive Officer, Children's Aid Society of Toronto.

"Protecting children in the community is a tremendous responsibility and we cannot do it alone.  Children's Aid Societies need individuals like this year's Stand Up for Kids Award winners who demonstrate the caring and compassion for children, youth and families that make our city a safer place for everyone," said Mary A. McConville, Executive Director, Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto"

The Stand Up for Kids Awards will be presented on Monday, October 21, at 11:30am, in Committee Room 230 at the Main Legislative Building, Queen's Park.

Over the past year, Jewish Family & Child, Native Child and Family Service of Toronto, the Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto, and the Children's Aid Society of Toronto, have collectively investigated over 11, 000 inquiries related to child welfare.

SOURCE: Children's Aid Society of Toronto

Media only

Rob Thompson     
Director, Communications   
Children's Aid Society of Toronto  
[phone] ext. 2086   
[email protected]

Gehna Singh
Manager, Communications
Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto
[phone]
[email protected]