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The 2006 Champion for Children Award recipient and nominees were saluted tonight at a ceremony in Charlottetown. The event was an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work and contributions made by individuals, organizations and communities who directly and positively impact the daily lives and future outcomes of young children and their families.

Premier Pat Binns recognized the contributions of all nominees for this year’s awards. “The people we celebrate today are the ones who ask themselves, “What can I do to make a difference in the hearts, souls and minds of our Prince Edward Island children?”

“The Champions for Children awards provide the council an opportunity to recognize some of the very talented and committed individuals working on behalf of children across PEI,” said Dr. Wong. “Everyone who was nominated is making an outstanding contribution to the children in their community and should be proud of their accomplishments.”

The 2006 recipients of Champions for Children Award were selected by a committee of peers, as follows:

PATRICIA COADY of Sherwood has worked for the PEI Association for Community Living for many years. She has advocated and supported families by fighting to ensure that children with disabilities are fully included in their neighbourhood schools, community churches, day cares and by extended family members. Through the efforts of Coady, more families are able to raise a child with a disability knowing there is community support.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND FOSTER FAMILIES provide a role model to all society. They portray characteristics of compassion and of caring. Through their caring, Foster Families strive to build positive factors into the child’s compromised circumstances. They help children to develop the practical skills of living. But they also leave, imprinted in children’s minds and memories, positive experiences and a knowledge of being cherished that they will carry throughout their adult lives.

THE LAKE OF SHINING WATERS IODE has been serving the community for over 30 years. In 1992, IODE launched the Food for Thought Program in four PEI schools; today they sponsor 26 PEI schools. This IODE Chapter has aided in refurbishing the family room at Anderson House and provided “My Stuff” bags for the children that include toys, clothing, school supplies, etc. They have been involved with quilt making for children of abuse, promoting bicycle safety, providing Cozee Baby Safes to infants, and promoting family literacy through book bags for children as well as the Read for Life program. The Lake of Shining Waters IODE has also contributed to the creation of a safe and beautiful green space over the years through ongoing improvements to the Joseph A. Ghiz Memorial Park in Charlottetown.

The Premier’s Council on Healthy Child Development was established by Premier Pat Binns in 2001 to demonstrate the provincial government’s commitment to the Healthy Child Development Strategy. The strategy aims to ensure that every child in Prince Edward Island from the prenatal period to eight years old is safe and secure, healthy, successful at learning, and benefits from strong supportive relationships. The Council’s role is advise the Premier on issues affecting young children in the province.

The Premier's Council on Healthy Child Development members include Dr. David Wong, Chair; Cindy Shepard; Alice Taylor; Charles Sark; BJ Willis, Debbie Montgomery and Frank MacAulay.

The Premier concluded his remarks at the awards ceremony by thanking all award recipients, nominees, committee members, staff and volunteers who support the work of the PEI Healthy Child Development Strategy, “Through your dedication to your work, community and families, you model the love, care and understanding that we envision for all Island children,” he added.

For more information about healthy child development initiatives in Prince Edward Island, visit www.gov.pe.ca/hcd.