Celebrating Kids First Day

On April 28, 2004, London will be celebrating Kids First Day - a day to celebrate all of the great things happening in London for our children and families. More than 60 locations throughout London will host free Kids First Day events and activities. Over 30 partners are working together to highlight all of the great things happening in London, and to show that all sectors of our city are committed to creating opportunities for families.

Investing in Children itself is planning three major events that will occur that day to kick-off this first time event.

Starting first thing in the morning, at the Covent Garden Market, we will release our “2004 Snapshot of London’s Children and Youth.” The report shows where London shines and where we still have room to grow, and details the environment in which London’s children grow and live. The support of both the Trillium Foundation and the United Way has enabled us to develop an outstanding product this year. The information is interesting and challenging and should prove useful to community groups in planning programs and in higher level strategic planning and fund allocation.

Later in the morning, Investing in Children will host our annual Kids Power Conference at the Central Library. The conference is part of the leadership opportunities continuum that we provide in conjunction with both Boards of Education; approximately 250 grade 7-8 students will participate in the activities with a special motivational speaker and workshops designed for leadership growth.

At Investing in Children, we work to improve opportunities for all children and their families. With the above in mind, this year we are placing a special emphasis on activities that are significant in improving literacy. Along with our many homework clubs, family literacy events and participation in a national research project about literacy, we decided to do something fun and practical for everyone in London. We decided to construct an outdoor reading space where children and families could gather to read, to talk and to enjoy a pleasant natural setting and where school groups could go for literacy based events, drama activities and other outdoor happenings.

In the afternoon, from 2:00-4:00pm, the Reading Space at the River Forks park will unveiled. In partnership with the City of London, Ron Koudys Landscape Architect, Blue-Con Construction, Oaks Concrete Products and Fisher Landscape & Golf supply, the reading space has been constructed, complete with a reading stage, trees and flowers. With the help from a small grant from the London Arts Council a sculpture was created by artist Sam Radoff as an identifying marker for the reading garden. In addition, Copp’s Buildall and the London Regional Children’s Museum helped with the creation of stepping stones made by children across London. The launch will include a dramatic story representation by Beal students, story telling, math activities and butterfly creations. Food and refreshments will also be included.

Kids First Day has been supported by the Trillium Foundation and is an outstanding example of a community working together to celebrate all of the programs and services available to children. Join us by participating in many of the free activities that will be available throughout the day.

For more information on what activities are being offered, check The Londoner, the London Free Press or our website at www.investinginchildren.on.ca.